2023 BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
After a bad breakup, Romina (Romina D’Ugo) befriends a talking cockroach that helps her find a suitable mate. You’re My Best Friend depicts Romina navigating the challenging world of dating with the most unlikely of wingmen–but Livvie (Blair Socci) the cockroach will prove to be far more than just a wingman.
Remember those little plastic cockroaches that we used to hide places in the hopes that someone might find it and it would scare them? That’s what Livvie is. Writer-Director Chell Stephen doesn’t try to create flair with this character or use special effects to bring her to life, but rather sticks to the basics and allows the basics to create humor. There’s a level of sophistication present in the relationship between Livvie and Romina. Sure, on one hand this is a friendship between a roach and a person–but on the flip side it represents the importance of accepting others. You’re My Best Friend dives deep into the social constructs of the world in which we live, and it accurately expresses the issues that we face in this regard on a daily basis.
You’re My Best Friend is funny, and on some levels that comes as a result of that unlikely relationship–but beyond that, humor comes from the pacing of the film. You’re My Best Friend is quick, and the fact that Romina interacts with nearly a dozen different men in only about ten minutes truly helps to develop comedy. The film never makes Romina appear promiscuous, but rather adventurous, experimental, and downright funny. Stephen finds a brilliant balance throughout the course of her film and as a result drama, comedy, and more is developed.
I’m really impressed with this short film, as it quickly develops a narrative, comedy, and everything in between. You’re My Best Friend is paced beautifully, brilliantly funny, well acted, and an effective film in just about every way.
Written & Directed by Chell Stephen.
Starring Romina D’Ugo, Blair Socci, Michael Merchant, Luke Bilyk, Nick Fiore, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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