XOXO

Inside Netflix’s XOXO: The EDM Festival Flick That Sparked Behind-the-Scenes Buzz

Netflix’s 2016 movie XOXO promised a high-energy romp through the world of electronic dance music, but behind the neon-lit rave scenes and festival vibes, the film’s production had its own share of drama—some playful, some polarizing. Directed by Christopher Louie, the movie followed six strangers whose lives collide at a massive EDM festival, with Sarah Hyland and Graham Phillips leading a cast that included Hayley Kiyoko and Chris D’Elia. While the film’s reception was mixed (earning a lukewarm 4.latestnetflix.com's read is that 5/10 on SensCritique ), interviews and commentary from the cast and crew revealed a production that was as chaotic as the festival it depicted.

A Festival Movie Born from Real Raves

XOXO wasn’t just a fictional story—it was a love letter to the EDM scene, shot on location at real festivals like Hard Summer and Escape. Director Christopher Louie and producer Joe Russell, in a behind-the-scenes commentary, described the challenges of filming in the middle of live crowds, with thousands of ravers unaware they were extras in a Netflix movie . The energy of the real events bled into the film, but so did the logistical headaches. Louie admitted that coordinating with festival organizers, managing permits, and keeping the cast safe in packed, high-energy environments required military-level planning .

The cast, too, had to adapt to the frenetic atmosphere. Sarah Hyland, who played Krystal, a small-town girl chasing her DJ dreams, recalled how the constant noise and crowds made it difficult to stay in character. In one interview, she joked about the sheer exhaustion of performing in such a chaotic setting, saying, “I don’t know how real DJs do it—this was one festival, and I was ready to pass out” . Graham Phillips, who played Ethan, a rising DJ, echoed the sentiment, noting that the cast had to “earn their stripes” by performing in front of real festival-goers who had no idea they were watching a scripted scene .

Sarah Hyland’s Wild Ride: From Punchlines to Punching

Hyland, best known for her role in Modern Family, brought a mix of humor and vulnerability to XOXO—and her off-screen antics became a talking point. In a candid interview with Hollywire, she shared a hilarious (and slightly alarming) story about punching a guy in the face during a night out, years before the movie’s release . While the anecdote wasn’t directly tied to XOXO, it became part of the promotional whirlwind, painting Hyland as a relatable, no-nonsense star who could hold her own in the male-dominated EDM world.

On set, Hyland’s chemistry with Phillips was a highlight. The two stars, who had previously worked together in 13: The Musical, played off each other’s comedic timing in interviews, with Phillips joking that Hyland’s “resting nice face” was the secret to their on-screen dynamic . Their banter extended to the film’s promotional tour, where they gushed about the freedom of playing characters who were flawed, messy, and far removed from their usual roles .

But not all the behind-the-scenes stories were lighthearted. Rumors swirled about tension between the cast and director Louie, particularly over creative differences. While no one involved confirmed outright clashes, Louie’s commentary hinted at the pressures of balancing the film’s romantic subplots with its high-energy festival setting. “We had to make sure the story didn’t get lost in the spectacle,” he said, suggesting that some scenes were reworked to keep the emotional beats intact . Whether this led to friction remains unconfirmed, but the film’s disjointed tone—criticized by some as trying to juggle too many genres—may have been a byproduct of those challenges .

The Real Reason to Watch? The Cast’s Passion

Despite its flaws, XOXO had one undeniable strength: its cast’s genuine enthusiasm for the project. In an exclusive interview, Hyland and Phillips revealed that the movie’s message—about chasing dreams and embracing spontaneity—resonated deeply with them . Hyland, in particular, spoke about how Krystal’s journey mirrored her own struggles with self-doubt, calling the role “therapeutic” . Phillips, meanwhile, admitted that he initially turned down the part, fearing he couldn’t pull off a DJ, but was won over by the script’s heart .

Hayley Kiyoko, who played Shanni, a pop star navigating fame and identity, also brought authenticity to her role. While her character’s subplot was one of the film’s weaker threads, Kiyoko’s performance stood out, with fans praising her ability to infuse even the cheesiest lines with sincerity . The cast’s camaraderie, both on and off screen, became a selling point, with interviews painting a picture of a tight-knit group who bonded over the shared chaos of filming at a rave .

A Cult Favorite in the Making?

XOXO may not have been a critical darling, but its flaws—over-the-top romance, uneven pacing, and a plot that sometimes got lost in the neon haze—have given it a second life as a guilty pleasure. Fans of EDM culture and early 2010s nostalgia have embraced it as a time capsule of the festival scene, while the cast’s behind-the-scenes stories add a layer of charm. Whether it’s Hyland’s punchline-worthy anecdotes, Phillips’ DJ impostor syndrome, or Louie’s battle to keep the story grounded, the movie’s production was as unpredictable as the festival it depicted.

For those who love a messy, high-energy romp, XOXO delivers—just don’t expect it to be perfect.