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Relationships are often about timing. If you meet the right person at the wrong time in your life (or theirs), it just won’t work. In the indie almost-romance In Stereo, a couple of aimless 30-somethings learn that lesson as they struggle to find the right match at the right time.
In Stereo stars Micah Hauptman as David, an up-and-coming photographer who’s preparing for an important show. While he’s busy working on a new project—taking pictures of people he’s intentionally angered—he’s also dealing with the latest bump in his relationship with his girlfriend, Jen (Melissa Bolona). Not only is Jen mistrustful and immature, but she’s also sleeping with David’s best friend, Chris (Kieran Campion). Just as David confirms his suspicions about Jen, he runs into his ex, Brenda (Beau Garrett), a popular actress who’s in the middle of her own terrible day. And though they’re both seeing other people, their brief encounter makes them miss what they once had.
On the surface, In Stereo seems like it could be a smarter, more realistic kind of rom-com—the story of two flawed characters who can’t seem to get their timing right. Their fears and phobias and immaturity once came between them—and, several months later, they’re still in the wrong relationships with the wrong people at the wrong time. When they reconnect on the street, it makes them consider what could have been—and what could still be.
The problem, however, is that the characters are all so entirely unlikable. They’re childish and self-absorbed. They lie, cheat, and treat each other horribly. They scream at their agent, complain to the people who (for some reason) listen to their podcast, and whine to their shrink. And no one here is held accountable for anything. David goes behind his agent’s back to choose his own pictures for the exhibit, only to be hailed as a genius. Brenda can say whatever she wants to the “little people”—the waitresses and casting agents—yet still continue to get work. Chris can sleep with his best friend’s girlfriend without being confronted.
Along the way, we’re simply supposed to accept that David and Brenda—despite being arrogant and rude and egocentric—are the good guys. We’re supposed to root for them to reunite in the end. Or perhaps we’re just supposed to hope that, in the end, they’ll get what they deserve: each other. And while the film eventually passes its own kind of judgment on the characters, ultimately criticizing them for their floundering, it doesn’t change the fact that they’re frustrating players in a maddening movie.
In Stereo may have great potential as an honest romance, but the immature characters make it exhausting to watch. And it ends up feeling more like a bunch of grown-ups trying to act out an annoying teen drama than a thoughtful story about real, adult relationships.
Ed. Note: In Stereo is currently showing in limited theaters and on demand. For more information, visit InStereoTheMovie.com.
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