It’s an idea so crazy that it just might work. But, dear God, I hope not. In Japan, you can “rent a friend” to do things with you. Could this business work in the United States or, specifically, New York City? That’s the question asked in writer-director Avra Fox-Lerner’s short film, Such a Shitty Time.
Raymond Chan, Jr. plays Rent-a-Friend, Ben. He charges $100 an hour to be your pal, and he’s quite good at it. Today’s client is Robin (Leah Loftin), and the session starts with a long extended hug, a chat about cosmetics, some TV shows, and a grilled cheese sandwich prepared by Ben. When it’s over, Robin asks Ben if this job is worthwhile — which I suppose is what we’re all asking at the end.
“…the session starts with a long extended hug, a chat about cosmetics, some TV shows, and a grilled cheese sandwich…”
In Such a Shitty Time, Fox-Lerner tells a simple story of what seems like a typical Rent-a-Friend encounter. Nothing salacious, just two people engaged in a laugh, good conversation, and human connection with a hefty Venmo payment at the end. But is a paid friendship enough to meet your “friend” needs for a while? The story makes no judgment and empathizes with those in need of this service “in such a shitty time.” Rightly, the story challenges the central premise and, in the end, reminds us of the power of that willing and voluntary human connection.
Such a Shitty Time tells a thought-provoking story with fantastic performances by Cham and Loftin, which is precisely what I want from any movie.
For more information, visit the Such a Shitty Time official website.
"…tells a thought-provoking story with fantastic performances..."
