During pre-production, Bart Layton wanted the core of the script to possess the idea that the characters were wrongfully obsessed. They had this urge to witness how events would unfold if they did the heist. By crossing the line, it quickly became evident that it wasn't something they could walk back easily. Layton specifically wanted that idea to run its course throughout the film.
During casting, Layton wasn't interested in actors who resembled the real individuals. He stressed that for the story to have an impact, it needed to have great actors who look like regular people. Layton was particularly not interested in exceptionally good-looking Hollywood actors. He wanted actors who looked authentic and could easily relate to the audience.
Layton had always been interested in casting Ann Dowd. In his own words, he said she was simply phenomenal. When an opportunity arose, Layton immediately propositioned her for one of the most pivotal roles in the film. Layton had this idea to incorporate a character who represented the essence of humanity and Dowd ended up embodying that perfectly.
