VANILLA ｜ Omeleto

A man goes on a date. Helen and Clark have been on a date, and they're having a great time. Awkward but attracted, they've come to the point where they're either going to part for the night or continue it more intimately. Both seem keen to continue, and Helen is open about what she wants. She wants to play out a risque scenario in the bedroom, and she wants to be completely and emotionally immersed in it. Clark is up for anything, but he finds that fulfilling the role that Helen wants him to play is a lot harder, more complicated -- and way more unpredictable -- than he anticipated. Directed and written with great elan by Chase Pearson, this short dating comedy feels much like a romantic comedy at first, with its moody cinematography and the scenario of two potential lovers deciding whether or not to continue their interlude together in more private quarters. But what emerges after this set-up has classic screwball energy, as anything in this scandalous situation that can go wrong really does go awry, building up into an increasingly hilarious and ingenious tangle that's hard for anyone to wiggle out of. The story begins with an atmosphere of intimacy, with a city street at night and jazzy piano for the musical score. The potential couple is negotiating a key transition point: Are they going inside Helen's home together or parting for the night? Going inside, they even have a very grown-up conversation about their expectations and desires, with Helen laying out her wants in a direct, empowering way. Clark is a little wary, but he's into Helen, and game to try anything.