Last month, Paul Matthews, a resident of Brigus, N.L., received an unexpected call from a stranger while washing blueberries at home. Initially dismissing it as a wrong number, he decided to engage in conversation with the unknown caller, who turned out to be Jax Irwin, a broadcaster known for making spontaneous phone calls to people on the East Coast for casual chats.
Irwin, who was cold calling random numbers for a promotional video featuring the cast of a new Netflix series set in Newfoundland, including Josh Hartnett, Charlie Heaton, and Mackenzie Davis, expressed the desire to maintain the authenticity of randomly reaching out to individuals.
During their conversation, Matthews shared insights about Brigus, reminiscing about his past role as the town’s deputy mayor and amusingly noting his current slower pace of life. To Irwin’s surprise, Matthews revealed that he had heard an interview with her on CBC Radio just a week prior, leading to a moment of mutual recognition.
Following their call, Netflix released the video of their interaction on social media platforms, garnering nearly 900,000 views across TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Matthews received overwhelming attention from friends and family after the video’s release, joking about potentially needing a publicist to handle the newfound fame.
Meanwhile, the newly premiered Netflix series, Below, starring Hartnett as a fisherman in a Newfoundland town facing mysterious threats, highlights the unique charm and authenticity of the region, as acknowledged by the actor himself on CBC Radio’s Q.
Matthews, second from right, attended a screening of Below with his family, where they had the opportunity to meet the show’s star, Josh Hartnett. (Netflix)
Furthermore, Hartnett’s preparation for his role in Below involved immersing himself in the local culture, learning skills from Newfoundland residents, and adapting to the distinctive accent, as highlighted during his radio interview on CBC.
Irwin’s motivation for making these calls stemmed from feelings of loneliness and nostalgia, particularly after relocating from Dartmouth to Toronto. Despite the risk of being recognized, she values the genuine connections formed through these conversations, resonating with individuals in smaller communities like those on the East Coast who prioritize meaningful interactions.
Matthews commended Irwin for her outreach efforts, noting the contrast between the fast-paced city life and the slower, more appreciative lifestyle embraced in smaller communities, emphasizing the value of savoring life’s unpredictabilities.
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