Written and directed by Max Talisman, Things Like This follows the unexpected connection between two men who share the same name and possibly the same destiny. Zack Anthony (Max Talisman) is a struggling writer nursing the emotional aftermath of a failed one-night stand ending with a brutally honest assessment of his attractiveness and weight. Spiraling into emotional eating and relying heavily on his friend and roommate Kenny (Charlie Tahan), Zack is urged to get back on his feet and find something meaningful in his life.
Meanwhile, another Zack—Zack Mandel (Joey Pollari)—is dealing with relationship issues of his own. Though he’s been dating Eric (Taylor Trensch), he’s hesitant about commitment and impulsively ends things after a failed dinner proposal attempt. Eric is still reeling from the whiplash.
In a serendipitous moment, the two Zacks first meet at a performing arts event where Zack Mandel meets Zack Anthony and quickly discover they have the same first name, sparking a strange but immediate connection.
Their first official date at a local bar is full of mishaps, including a door-to-face incident that leads them to the ER. But amid the chaos, they bond, share stories, and end the evening with a kiss. The second date goes even better. The Zacks discover they went to the same Jewish summer camp and even shared a kiss during the camp’s musical performance—fueling the idea that they might be soulmates.
The intensity of their connection begins to overwhelm Zack Mandel, who worries things are moving too fast. While the bond between the two Zacks deepens with each encounter, the looming question becomes whether fate has truly brought them together—or if it’s all too good to be true.
Joey Pollari and Max Talisman portray two men who unexpectedly connect at a performing arts event in Things Like This, a heartfelt LGBTQ+ rom-com.
“Two men who share the same name and possibly the same destiny.”
Why do I like indie LGBT stories? Because they explore gay themes that are not solely focused on coming out. In Things Like This, writer/director/star Max Talisman moves in the traditional direction of the romance with relatable elements. Zack Anthony struggles with self-esteem issues due to his weight. Everyone he meets likes his joyful personality, but then the self-awareness of his appearance sets in, keeping him from being in a long-term relationship.
On the other hand, Zack Mandel suffers from deep-seated commitment issues stemming from his relationship with his always-disappointed father, Paul, played by the consistently brilliant Eric Roberts. Zack’s relationship issues affect his performance at work, where he can’t seem to make it over the hurdle from assistant to full-fledged talent agent.
Things Like This is a rom-com in every sense of the word. Two lovers must overcome the obstacles in their lives that stand in the way of finding true happiness. If they can only overcome their personal struggles and emotional wounds, happiness awaits them on the other side. We’ve all been there. My only complaint about the film is that it can get a little too sappy at times, which is always the challenge for this genre.
Let’s face it. Rom-coms are not everyone’s cup of tea, but filmmaker Max Talisman brings a great deal of sweetness to his story, speaking directly to a gay audience…with something even for the straight set. Talisman’s heart is infused throughout Things Like This, and it’s incredible to see indie filmmakers finally get their vision on screen.
Things Like This is a sweet and sincere indie rom-com about two men named Zack (Max Talisman and Joey Pollari) who find an unexpected connection and possible destiny in each other. The film explores how personal insecurities can block the path to love. With humor, heart, and a dash of campy charm, writer/director Talisman delivers a relatable LGBTQ+ love story that leans into the rom-com formula while bringing something honest and personal to the screen.
"…Speaking directly to a gay audience...with something even for the straight set."
