An absurdist melodrama in three acts following the evolution of a family's dynamic through altercations, deaths, and the increasing influence of a singing realtor. “Dinnertime,” directed by Gerardo Coello Escalante, is a comedic portrait of dysfunction, richly layered and remarkably paced. John is depressed because his girlfriend dumped him. His brother, Carl, is a wannabe spiritual advisor working on a self-help video series and trying to expand into in-person retreats. Luby, the housekeeper, perpetually attempts to quit the chaotic family, but is never allowed to by John and Carl’s eccentric parents. The bickering family receives an odd intrusion one night when a man named Bruce comes to the door saying he wants to help sell the family home. Before you know it, Bruce has enmeshed himself into the inner workings of the household, including possibly investing in Carl’s “Good Vibrations” project, and is witness to several family upheavals. Filled to the brim with witty character detail (the film was developed through character-driven improvisations) and constantly evolving dynamics, Escalante’s film is ingeniously constructed and perfectly calibrated. Directed by Gerardo Coello Escalante. Writers: Gerardo Coello Escalante & Joshua Bogatin. Cast: Mark Hattan, Cathy Finlay, Daniel Mandoki, Elizabeth Cappuccino, Felix Jones & Peggy Lewis. Director of Photography: Cody Powers. Produced by: Ben Pakman, Joshua Bogatin & Gerardo Coello Escalante.