Finding the right forget me not cast details can be a bit of a headache because, honestly, there are about four different movies with this exact title. You’ve got the 2009 teen slasher, the 2010 British romantic drama, and even a couple of documentaries. But most people searching for this are looking for the 2010 UK indie hit starring Holli Dempsey and Genevieve Gaunt. It’s that raw, gritty, London-based story about a one-night stand that turns into a sprawling odyssey across the city.
The film feels real. It doesn't have that polished, Hollywood gloss where everyone wakes up with perfect hair. No. It's messy. The performances are what carry it. If you’re trying to place a face or figure out where these actors ended up, you’re in the right spot.
The Lead Duo: Genevieve Gaunt and Tobias Menzies
At the heart of the forget me not cast is Genevieve Gaunt. She plays Eve. You might recognize her from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban—she was the original Pansy Parkinson. In Forget Me Not, she brings this magnetic, slightly chaotic energy to the screen. She’s the girl Will meets while he’s at a literal breaking point.
Then there’s Tobias Menzies.
He plays Will.
Menzies is a powerhouse now, thanks to The Crown and Outlander, but back in 2010, he was doing this quiet, intense work in indie films. His portrayal of Will—a man grieving and lost—is incredibly grounded. The chemistry between him and Gaunt isn't necessarily "romantic" in the traditional sense; it’s more about two people who need each other for exactly twelve hours. It’s desperate. It’s human.
Breaking Down the Supporting Forget Me Not Cast
It isn’t just about the leads. The atmosphere of the film relies heavily on the people they encounter during their night in London.
Holli Dempsey appears as Audrey. Dempsey has since become a staple of British television, appearing in Derek and Harlots. She has this uncanny ability to feel like someone you actually know from your neighborhood. In this film, she adds to the texture of the city.
The cast also includes:
🔗 Read more: Shamea Morton and the Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Really Happened to Her Peach
- Gemma Jones: A legendary British actress (Sense and Sensibility, Harry Potter). She brings a level of gravitas to her scenes that anchors the movie’s more emotional beats.
- Luke de Woolfson: Playing the role of Felix.
- James G. Nunn: As the character Tigger.
It's a small ensemble. That’s why it works. The director, Alexander Holt, didn't crowd the frame with A-list cameos. He let the actors breathe. This is a "walking and talking" movie. Think Before Sunrise, but with more rain and a darker, British edge.
Why This Specific Cast Worked for Indie Cinema
The forget me not cast was selected at a time when British indie cinema was obsessed with realism. They didn't want "actors" acting; they wanted people living. Menzies, specifically, has this face that looks like it's seen a lot of life. He doesn't have that "CW" network television look. He looks like a guy you’d see at a pub in North London.
Genevieve Gaunt was the perfect foil. She was younger, vibrant, but clearly hiding her own baggage.
When you look at the trajectory of these actors since 2010, it’s impressive. Menzies has won an Emmy. Dempsey is a recurring face on Netflix and the BBC. Gaunt has consistently worked in high-end theater and television. They were a talented bunch even before the rest of the world caught on.
Addressing the 2009 Slasher Misconception
We have to clear this up. If you came here looking for the forget me not cast from the American horror movie released in 2009, you’re looking at a completely different vibe. That movie stars Carly Schroeder and Cody Linley.
That film is about a game of "Forget Me Not" (a twist on hide-and-seek) that goes horribly wrong when a vengeful ghost starts picking off teens. It’s a slasher. It’s got jump scares.
The 2010 British film is a drama about love and memory.
The 2009 cast:
💡 You might also like: Who is Really in the Enola Holmes 2 Cast? A Look at the Faces Behind the Mystery
- Carly Schroeder (Sandy Channing): You probably remember her from Lizzie McGuire.
- Cody Linley (Eli Channing): A Hannah Montana alum.
- Brie Gabrielle (Layla): A former Miss Florida.
See the difference? One cast is full of Disney and teen drama veterans (2009 horror), and the other is full of Royal Shakespeare Company types and gritty character actors (2010 drama). Knowing which one you're watching is pretty vital before you sit down with popcorn.
The Creative Vision Behind the 2010 Film
Alexander Holt and Lance Roehrig directed the 2010 version. They shot it in about three weeks. That’s basically light speed for a feature film. The cast had to be prepared. There wasn't time for fifty takes.
This fast-paced production is why the performances feel so urgent. Tobias Menzies has spoken in various interviews about the challenges of indie filming—the long nights, the cold London streets, the lack of trailers. It forces a certain kind of honesty. You can’t fake being tired when you’ve been filming on the South Bank at 4:00 AM.
The film explores the idea of what we leave behind. The title isn't just a flower name; it's a plea. Will’s character is struggling with the early onset of Alzheimer’s in his family, which adds a ticking clock to the narrative. The cast had to handle this topic with extreme sensitivity. It wasn't just a romance; it was a meditation on the fear of losing one's mind.
Impact and Legacy of the Performances
Why do we still care about the forget me not cast over a decade later?
Because the film captures a very specific moment in London’s history. Before the massive gentrification of certain areas. Before everyone was staring at a smartphone for the entire duration of a date.
The actors captured a sense of presence.
The film won the "Best Film" award at the London Independent Film Festival in 2010. Critics at the time, including those from The Guardian, noted that while the plot was familiar, the performances saved it from being a cliché. They called it "unpretentious" and "sincere."
📖 Related: Priyanka Chopra Latest Movies: Why Her 2026 Slate Is Riskier Than You Think
Where Are They Now?
If you want to follow the 2010 forget me not cast today, here is where you’ll find them.
Tobias Menzies is everywhere. If you haven't seen his dual role in Outlander or his turn as Prince Philip in The Crown, you’re missing out. He also recently appeared in You Hurt My Feelings alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Genevieve Gaunt has pivoted slightly, doing a lot of voice work and appearing in series like The Royals (playing Wilhelmina). She’s also a regular in the London theater scene.
Holli Dempsey is a powerhouse of character acting. She was recently in After Life and continues to be one of those actors where you say, "Oh, I love her!" whenever she pops up on screen.
Final Thoughts on the Casting Choices
Casting is an art. If you put two actors with no chemistry in a movie where they just walk around London, the audience will turn it off in ten minutes.
The forget me not cast worked because they felt like they belonged in those locations. They didn't look like they stepped out of a makeup trailer. They looked like they belonged on the Tube, in the parks, and in the small apartments of the city.
Whether you’re a fan of Menzies’ later work or you’re just a sucker for a good British indie, this film remains a hidden gem. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a hundred million dollars to tell a story that sticks with people. You just need the right people in front of the camera.
Practical Steps for Fans of the Film
If you’ve just finished watching the film and want to explore more from this specific group of actors or the genre, here is what you should do next.
- Watch "The Crown" Season 3 and 4: To see the sheer range Tobias Menzies has developed since his indie days. His portrayal of Prince Philip is a masterclass in suppressed emotion.
- Seek out "Derek" (Channel 4/Netflix): To see Holli Dempsey’s comedic and dramatic range. She’s brilliant in it.
- Explore the "Before" Trilogy: If you liked the "walking and talking" aspect of Forget Me Not, Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight are the gold standard for this style of filmmaking.
- Check the Credits: Always double-check which Forget Me Not you are buying or streaming. Look for the 2010 release date and the name Alexander Holt to ensure you get the British drama rather than the teen slasher.
- Visit the Locations: If you’re ever in London, many of the filming locations around the South Bank and Waterloo are easily accessible. It’s a great way to experience the atmosphere the cast worked so hard to create.
The 2010 film remains a poignant piece of cinema. It’s a small story told with a big heart, and that is entirely due to the people involved.