Writer Rolando Zee and director Shayne Lightner present Judgmental Prick! – a 25 minute heartfelt rom-com that acts as proof of concept for a subsequent feature.
We’re plonked amongst an established relationship between two best friends – Jesse and Florio. But there’s a cat amongst the pigeons as the new man in Jesse’s life starts to take priority. Unlike his previous partners, Florio has had no hand in finding Osvaldo for Jesse and consequently feels a little out of the loop and a little jealous.
Thankfully, Osvaldo understands the gravity of the friendship and seeks to include Florio by inviting him along to a big family meal. While the family are welcoming, Florio becomes aware that Jesse hasn’t been telling the truth to Osvaldo and his family. Although once a small lie, it means that the relationship is built on unstable foundations. The crux of the lie is that Jesse, an affluent man, is pretending to be a labourer from the poorer side of town in order to “fit in” with Osvaldo, who is a day worker. Flustered at the lies his friend has been telling, Florio ups and leaves. As Jesse follows to explain, Osvaldo overhears everything… and the game is up.
Feelings of betrayal from both Osvaldo and Florio fly. Jesse does, however, manage to seek advice from Osvaldo’s mother and hopes the situation can be put right. As amends are made, something new emerges from the woodwork that threatens to bring a whole new level of complexity.
A gentle and fun film with potential for expansion – Zee and Lightner lay the groundwork for a feature that promises to deliver something we don’t see every day. Rolando Zee as Jesse is cheeky and loveable. It would be a treat to see his character expanded as he gets himself into predicaments where one small lie leads to another. Patrick McDermott as Florio again makes us feel like there is more to see. There is good chemistry between them both, with sarcasm and wit bringing a liveliness to the screen. Hugo Mejia Loera as Osvaldo is sweet and the relationship he has with Zee as Jesse flourishes even under the time constraints of a short film. There is a great degree of sensitivity in Judgmental Prick! with Maria Montenegro as Mama Gloria providing a lot of this heart. She acts as a grounding force in the film and keeps a steady hand on the tiller to guide the more emotionally turbulent sections.
The heart and soul that has been poured into creating this is evident and shines throughout every scene. Watch the trailer here!