Get-together-ers
Experimental
•
Drama, Short Films, Sci-Fi, 01-Jul-2025
A man sabotages an intimate holiday gathering when he attempts to gift his childhood friend’s fiancé something special. Michael Rees directs “Get-together-ers,” which offers Rees’ trademark comedy style hyperbolizing idiosyncratic behavior, however this time, taking an unexpected turn into metaphysical phenomena. Phil arrives at a Christmas gift exchange. He’s nervous about the gift he brought. It isn’t wrapped, and the box is nearly open. When it’s his turn to share, the wrong girl opens it before Phil explains that the gift was actually for Veronika, a special friend, the group bursts into confusion and frustration. But Phil has something for everyone. With his small box, he demonstrates an ability to generate a new, individual item for each and every get-together-er. The box also has the power to do things to the recipients themselves. The film stands as an exciting step forward from Rees’ previous works we’ve featured. With the introduction of a new genre element, he doubles down on the humor and uncanniness of strange social interactions. -JM. Director: Michael Rees. Cast: Philip Ettinger, Veronika Slowikowska, Claire Banse, Kyle Chase, Leigh Murray, Rachel Coster, Richard Perez. Producer: Jess DiMento. Cinematographer: Bart Cortright. Camera Operator: Sarah Penson.
Up Next in Experimental
-
HEDON
A young man struggles against his demons in the age of social media and endless dopamine. Andi Lipo directs “Hedon,” a body-horror where masculine urges and porn addiction lead to a downward spiral. The young man gives Bella, his girlfriend, a ride to the airport. While she’s not looking, he scro...
-
Verbal Diarrhea
Through an autobiographical video essay, a dance artist muses on her transition from restaurant work to full-time teaching. Miriam Gabriel’s “Verbal Diarrhea” is a self-reflective journal entry about career shifts during a particularly manic period of the pandemic. We first find Miriam in the out...
-
Difficult Woman
In a flashback, a woman is accused of over-narrativizing her life and makes that accusation into a narrative. Summer Benotwitz’s “Difficult Woman” is a two-minute snapshot of a couple amidst a peevish argument. In a Los Angeles bar, the couple (played by Lily Lady and Cameron Cowperthwait) meet f...
