MOVIE REVIEW
Will I See You Again?
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 24m
Director(s): Michael Perez-Lindsey
Writer(s): Rhett Lindsey, Michael Perez-Lindsey
Cast: Hosea Chanchez, Nick Wechsler, Naomi Walley, Anna Maria Horsford, Richard Lawson, Robert Okumu, Rosanny Zayas, Whitney Morgan Cox
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Micheaux Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN? starts its narrative with a compelling dive into a tale of reconnection and the intricacies of human relationships. It is a gripping portrayal of two once inseparable friends, Max Palmer and Paul Jensen, who are estranged by life's cruel twists. Directed with finesse by Michael Perez-Lindsey, the film does more than scratch the surface of emotional reconciliation. It plunges deep, unraveling a fabric of love, loss, and healing that is both touching and profound.

The atmosphere is tense when Paul enters while Max is performing a eulogy for a mutual friend. The unexpected encounter is charged with years of unspoken conflict, setting the stage for a dramatic unraveling of past grievances, thanks to a unique stipulation in their late friend Jim's will. The stipulation? A polygraph test that serves as the gateway to their inheritance, forcing the pair to confront their buried secrets and misgivings. This plot twist cleverly peels back layers of their defenses, compelling both men to navigate through the wreckage of their former camaraderie.

At the heart of WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN? lies a bold exploration of identity and belief, mainly through the eyes of Max, who has been wrestling with his dual identity as a pastor and a gay man. The screenplay, crafted with care and sensitivity, addresses the complex dynamics of faith and sexuality without alienating the viewer, making Max’s internal conflicts accessible and relatable. The only real issue I had is that much of the story was forced to fit within the confines of its short runtime instead of laying itself out naturally.

Hosea Chanchez and Nick Wechsler bring a raw intensity to their roles, infusing the film with a potent blend of drama and authenticity. Chanchez, as Max, portrays a man torn between his public persona and private truths, while Wechsler’s Paul navigates a journey of bitterness and potential forgiveness. The chemistry between the actors enriches the film’s story, ensuring that each scene is filled with emotional depth and resonance.

Perez-Lindsey’s direction is a balancing act that beautifully captures moments of intense confrontation alongside those of quiet reflection. This nuanced direction, coupled with Sandra Valde-Hansen’s evocative cinematography, which uses lighting and framing to reflect the film’s somber yet hopeful mood, elevates the storytelling to new heights.

Incorporating the polygraph test as more than just a plot device but as a symbol of truth-seeking adds a layer of dramatic irony and tension to the unfolding drama. However, while the film excels in many areas, some polygraph scenes crave a bit more fleshing out to fully realize the emotional potential of the characters’ confrontations and resolutions.

WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN? is a profound narrative journey that challenges its audience to ponder the transformative power of truth and reconciliation in human relationships. Perez-Lindsey emerges as a powerful storyteller, weaving a debut that promises great things for his future in the cinematic landscape. The film leaves a lingering impact, inviting viewers to reflect on the nuances of love and honesty in forging and mending life’s most profound bonds.

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[photo courtesy of MYTHREEL PRODUCTIONS]

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