The many obstacles of dating in a realm defined by its explosion of colors become our first introduction to ‘Matinee Baby’. Unique and extremely entertaining in its storytelling and world-building, the film presents Robby and Noah-Lee, close friends and colleagues who work at Portland's historic Clinton Street Theater. As the narrative navigates modern-day dating, each potential suitor brings to life an experience more vivid and unexpected than the previous. 
The many complexities of all of these encounters are handled with effortless ease in this queer romantic comedy. The humor remains seamless, roping in campiness while eschewing its many dangers, supported by the performances and the screenplay, both of which exhibit control and skill. 
With the film’s heart in the right place, the story and characters stand firmly on their feet. At no point do the colors, the comedy or the overall end result of the world become overbearing enough to subdue the voices within, presenting to the viewer the film's true triumph.

Matinee Baby  | Short Film of the Month

Fiona has arrived at her son Dalton’s house to spend time with him and his new partner, Bram, after nearly three years of little to no contact. Dalton has not only recently separated from his wife of five years but has also given up custody of his two kids. 

Despite the distance or resentment that may have crept in the three years, however, or the emotional travails of a recently failed marriage, it is something else entirely that preoccupies Fiona, who soon realises she has far bigger fish to fry. While Bram, at first glance, might have come across as a distant but mostly harmless presence, the ensuing narrative leaves Fiona with a more disturbing realisation. The short film ropes in all of this, and some more, with humor and an unmissable antagonist in Bram, whose portrayal becomes a notable strength of the film. 

The humor intrinsic to the film is further brought to life with writing and storytelling that both exhibit promise and potential. Though not entirely without rough edges, the end result of the film is colorful and entertaining in equal measure and paves the path for more such endeavors in the future.

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