The life of an awkward teen is on full display in writer/director Jozef Raiche’s short film, Gus Should Get the Girl. The titular Gus (Marcel Raiche) is a high school teen waiting for his very late best bud, Tim, to show up and go over notes to impress a girl. Looking around the room, he witnesses horrible examples of witty banter between the sexes.
While Gus waits, Tim’s mother (Kayla Kelly) arrives because her car broke down near the diner. With notes in hand, Gus seizes the opportunity to hit on Tim’s mom. This is not the best move.
“Gus seizes the opportunity to hit on Tim’s mom.”
Sweetness wins out with Gus Should Get the Girl. Raiche has the awkward teen nailed down perfectly. As Tim’s mom, Kayla Kelly plays it straight and authentic. The interaction between the two is cringe-worthy and the highlight of the film. Plus, the ending is perfect.
That said, I need to mention that the acting, particularly from the bystanders, is stiff. This usually indicates that the actors didn’t have their lines memorized or adequate rehearsal time was not offered. But the filmmaker got the proper performances from his lead, which ultimately counts. Sweet and funny is on order with Gus Should Get the Girl.
Gus Should Get the Girl is currently available on Jozef Raiche’s YouTube Channel.
"…interaction between the two is cringe-worthy and the highlight of the film."
