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First, the Recap:
Having someone break up with you just isn’t fun, right? It’s the hurt, heartache, and sudden belief that you’re just never going to find or experience it again, that deep connection with someone that overwhelms you and makes your spirit soar–ruined. Getting back out there is already tough, but not impossible–right? For one unfortunate soul named Jack (Trevor Duke), the concept of returning to the dating pool has only just arrived in his head after twelve years. Choosing the path of supposedly least resistance, Jack decides to utilize a company called the Undatement Center to find new love.
However, after an initial and unanticipated (much less unwanted) “interview” with the first girl, Jennifer (Shandy Monte), it becomes quickly evident to Jack this process isn’t going to be easy. Baffled and annoyed by the sudden intricacies he’s forced to contend with and conform to on top of the company’s scheduler Shelly (Randy Veraguas) demanding exorbitant fees for their services, Jack soon chooses to conduct his own interviews, thinking it will solve his dilemma. However, even as the ladies come and go, Jack soon realizes his own attitude has become just as contentious and cynical, at least until one woman, Lindsey (J.D. Achille), walks in.
Next, my Mind:
With a healthy dose of intentionally acerbic wit infused with a playfully searing stab at the entire theory behind the overt complexities of finding “the one”, or at minimum “someone”, prolific writer/director Chris Esper once again delivers a worthy short film effort whose narrative is both equally entertaining and almost eerily more true to life than most might desire to admit when it comes to seeking out a new companion. Presenting this process in its mischievously executed way, the whole premise of actually having to have a resume filled out in order to “apply” for consideration is, on the surface, ludicrous and exaggerated. Yet the point made about the extremes we do go to in wanting to know everything about our potential partner’s life and previous experiences is painfully apropos, which only adds to the impact the film has, despite the calculated comedic tone. The accompanying annoyance and disbelief Jack feels being on one side of this first, then finding the same level of it on the other is also affecting, though the finale puts the whole situation into a much more reasonable, manageable, and enjoyable state of being.
Duke is outstanding as Jack, showcasing a man in a decided state of emotional hesitancy and uneasiness as he chooses to “put himself out there” again after more than a decade getting over his last heartbreak. Watching as he believes what is going to be a somewhat easy adventure turn into a literal bureaucratic, frustrating exercise in futility and the ensuing ramifications it has on his wallet and attitude is very well played by Duke, even as Jack might find relief and happiness after all. Monte does wonderfully as Jennifer, the first “interview” Jack has at the company, in being the first realization of exactly what he has gotten himself into. Her straightforward, businesslike demeanor and approach is both funny and somewhat off-putting while definitely being a surprise to the unsuspecting “candidate” like Jack. Veraguas shines as the company scheduler/receptionist Shelly, who deftly convinces Jack to stick with the program, regardless of what it might cost him, both monetarily or otherwise, and her promises to “set him up” are genuine, yet somehow shady as well, even as Jack keeps faltering no matter what side of things he’s on.
Achille gets to be Jack’s “savior” as Lindsey, a young woman who appears to be going through the whole “application” scheme, but sees something immediately in Jack that causes her to engage him outside the “official” parameters of the interview. It is this normal, down-to-earth, realistic connection that snaps Jack out of his funk, and Achille brings that whole dynamic to life very well. Solid supporting turns are given from Acei Martin, as one interviewer who asks for just a bit more than anyone should feel comfortable providing, along with Christie Devine, Lauren K. Smith, Caitlyn Dwyer, and Logan Raposo as fellow “candidates”. In total, “Undatement Center” stands as a finely-tuned, creative, satirically relevant, and waggish independent short film offering. Well worth the time to invest in watching, it once again epitomizes the heart, passion, and drive towards originality these filmmakers strive towards and accomplish successfully.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
