THE STORY

Genre: Coming-of-age dramedy

Synopsis: 

      Jessie, a recent college graduate with an art degree, lays down in his messy bedroom scrolling through TikTok and stalking his new crush, Oliver. He then joins a therapy Zoom session; however, his therapist is also his mother (think Sex Education). Throughout the short, Jessie turns to the camera in a Fleabag, Ferris Bueller, Malcolm in the Middle type of way, breaking the 4th wall. He does this to make light of something serious or to fill in the audience with the truth, because he often doesn’t say what he means.

      For example, his mom/therapist asks about a recent date and Jessie turns to the camera and says define “date”. A flashback to two nights ago reveals Jessie meeting his sneaky-link, Oliver, for the first time. Jessie has since become obsessed with him. In another 4th-wall-busting instance, he explains to his mom that he’s unsure why he’s so depressed, but turns to the camera, rambling on about his post-grad depression, his inability to start anything due to a fear of failure, and his reliance on casual sex and drugs to feel some relief from the crushing weight of uncertainty that he feels. But he knows he can’t tell his mom/therapist this. 

      In a surreal moment, his mom breaks through the barrier of Zoom and appears on the other side of Jessie's desk. While she may not know what’s wrong, she advises him that the hard part is actually deciding that you want to change. Deciding to change from these unhealthy habits becomes the catalyst and the question Jessie is faced with as the film progresses.

    After the failed therapy session, his roommate, best friend, and wild-card, Sarah, who has been listening to the entire therapy session, bursts into the room and convinces Jessie to take some magic fungi with her as an alternative to therapy. Her character acts as a shaman as she brings Jessie out of his dingy room into the brightness outside. As they walk, their conversation shifts from funny and superficial to genuine and introspective, launching Jessie into a quarter-life crisis. His crisis only worsens when he runs into his crush, Oliver. Through these awkward, hilarious, and profound moments, Jessie is forced to determine who he is deep down, if that even matters anyways.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STORY

      This story spotlights relatable topics for individuals weighted with anxiety for what comes after college and the struggle to dive into creativity due to fears of failure. It exhibits the dread of the unknown future as people get older, desiring to return back their child-like selves. The film places the main character into a mental state of realization for the limited time left in his youth, forcing him to examine his unhealthy habits of screen time, drug use, and casual hook-ups. It portrays LGBTQ+ representation not as a lens through which to view the film and character, but rather as one aspect of a larger, more complex facet of someone’s identity. Unlike many LGBTQ+ stories, the main character’s sexuality is not his only personality trait, and the plot is fitted accordingly. 

THE TEAM- SDSU TFM STUDENTS

Director/Writer: David Snider                                                         Producer: Sami Van Praet                                                          DP: Justin Stone       Editor: Kristen Kapusta         AD: Alessandra Pietrasanta                    
 

WHERE THE FUNDS GO

• Production design
• Props and wardrobe
• Talent (hair, makeup, salary, transportation)
• Catering for cast and crew
• Equipment payments
• Paperwork/insurance payments

As college students, it is difficult to create a short film with a wide budget to accommodate our production needs, due to school full-time and working outside those hours. Any donations are appreciated as well as sharing this link with others. All leftover funds will go towards festival entry fees.