DWF 2015: IN STEREO

David (Micah Hauptman) and Brenda (Beau Garrett) in In Stereo.

Shifting shades

By Miranda Inganni

New York City. David (Micah Hauptman), an up and coming photographer and Brenda (Beau Garrett), the actress who he is dating, are not perfect for each other -- at least not at this point in their lives. Brenda is ready to cohabitate with David, but he is not there yet. Yes, he loves her, but he seemingly loves his space more.

Flash forward. David is living with his new girlfriend, Jen (Melissa Bolona), an impetuous, immature model. Things aren’t looking so hot for David’s chances with Jen, as she is having an affair with his lifelong best friend, Chris (Kieran Campion).

When they were together David and Brenda could not make things work, but apart things are even more difficult for them. Brenda is facing eviction and David is self-destructing.  Will their chance encounter reunite them and put them back on a track for personal, if not romantic success?

In Stereo is a story of four beautiful, crazy people who come across as rather narcissistic. David’s guerilla-style portrait photography causes him physical harm and may not lead to the success his potential warrants. Brenda’s career is on a downward spiral and, based on how she treats her agent (and “regular” people, too), she deserves it. Jen’s need for sexual-gratification and/or her desire to use other people leaves her truly alone –- no matter who she is with at the time. Chris is a materialistic bore, having more money and free time than he knows what to do with it.

Despite the leads characters’ moments of despicability, the four main characters have redeeming qualities, too. They are more than just their bad behavior and self-loathing. And that is what keeps them interesting.

Written, directed and edited by Mel Rodriguez III, In Stereo is a fun and nuanced film that keeps you rooting for David and Brenda in spite of their shortcomings.

They are human, after all.

 

 

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