Couch
From the Archives
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20-Jun-2018
The relationship of two young friends is put to the test as their differing views on entitlement and independence are exposed. From the comfort of their luxurious couch (which they never leave), they endlessly bicker about what it means to contribute to society, or not. The darkly comedic drama from director Michael Bernieri is brought alive by a hyperactive edit and plunky soundscape. “Why would you ever move from this position?” asks Nicole, the more unapologetic of the two, who relies on her father for rent and everything else. Jennifer at least tries to earn some income working at a restaurant 3 nights a week (or 2 if you believe Nicole), but there’s no denying they’re both privileged and protected from the outside world. When a visit from Jennifer’s new boyfriend, Jeff, gets messy, it leads into an argument of love vs money, then explodes into something larger. “I can’t sit around and watch you rot away, while the rest of us are trying to fucking participate in the world,” screams Jennifer to an unflinching Nicole, and so goes the central battle.
Written and Directed by Michael Bernieri. Starring Jane Stiles and Giuliana Carullo. Edited & Scored by Kevin Carey. Produced by Connor Hickey and Lizzie Shapiro. Cinematography by Leo Purman. Production Design by Rachel Zabala. Casting Director: Annabelle Attanasio. Sound Designer: Ryan McGlade.
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