Haley Rawson / ANDI

Andi is a lot like me. She’s outgoing and “cool,” down for whatever. This film explores what’s on the other side of that – the insecurity, frustration and fear that I usually keep to myself.

Ever since I was a teenager, when I’m around a guy that I like (or…who I want to like me) I’ve noticed that this wonderfully strong and direct part of my personality is nowhere to be found. I reflexively revert to a younger, meeker version of myself who doesn’t feel like she’s good enough.

It’s a very personal story, and I hope it doesn’t feel too familiar, but it might.

Taylor Miller / BEN

I struggled with finding my footing in writing and playing Ben. Probably because I just didn't like him. I didn't like his low self esteem; his lack of trust that drives his poor decision making. I didn't like how he went through life not taking much of anything seriously, including his relationships. And, that he has zero accountability.

It wasn't until shooting, however, that I realized that I didn't dislike Ben just because I thought he was an asshole; I didn't like him because I was afraid I was him. Or had been at some point in my life.

It was a difficult truth I had to face, but necessary. In the end I'm grateful for the opportunity for introspection, and to have grown because of it.

LAUREN SIMPSON / Director

Shot over two sweltering nights in 2018, this film is about a quiet explosion/implosion happening inside one of life’s many mundane moments.

There’s an early version of the script in which we follow the two characters home, but the most important part of the narrative takes place inside the car and inside Andi’s head, so that’s where we stay. That’s where the hope and trauma live, and that’s where the decisions are made that show us who she is and who we might be.

That truthfulness about human nature was there on the page. And that's what made me want to make this film.