The title of the film is a reference to a lyric from the song "My Prayer" by The Platters.
The opening lines, "Tell me, God, it isn't true. Flames so hot that they turn blue," are a reference to a lyric from the song "Freak" by Lana Del Rey.
The concept for the film was adapted from an original script called, "Boys, Smoke & Mirrors," which Houston wrote in collaboration with Camille Hermida-Fuentes in 2016.
Houston originally wanted to use the song "Milk" by Garbage in the film, but due to budget and licensing issues, wrote "Wine (A Sea of Future)" in collaboration with Ross McKay Craig and lyricist Shayne Jennison. The vocals were recorded by Ariana Kelly on June 18, 2019 in Houston's mom's closet.
Bryce Lederer and Tanner Garmon were both students at Roosevelt University in Chicago during the time of filming.