The other is “One Night Stand,” with Griffin Dunne and Zonia Pelensky as a couple finding chemistry after a one-night stand. Dunne’s character has to catch a flight, but returns after the airport shuts down. Fearing that he may have been infected with the “Vid” from possibly two Uber drivers or an airport full of people, Pelensky locks Dunne in her bathroom while he’s taking a shower and places him into forced quarantine.
This collection of the best A-list and character actors in Hollywood is reason enough to check out this package of short films. Not just that, but With/In allows them, as artists, to create through acting and storytelling. We’re seeing a side of Moore, Gugino, and Winger that we don’t usually. They speak with their own words, telling their own narratives.
“…collection of the best A-list and character actors in Hollywood is reason enough to check out this package of short films.”
With/In is not just stories of Covid, but stories of women in relation to being locked down with partners and family. Although it does hit on political issues, such as Black Lives Matter, the film in its entirety is not political. I know you’re thinking about it. It is fair to question whether A-list actors can still relate to the average lower-middle-class person, who has also been affected by the pandemic in a very different way. Not all of us have cabins in the woods to rush off to for health and safety.
On the other side of the coin, the film is already “dated.” These are tales written and reflecting on the lockdowns. No mentions of vaccines and mandates here. Now that we’re heading back to “normal,” it’s interesting to reflect on where we, as individuals and a society, were at that time. At the time of production, there was no “other side” in sight. I found it interesting to look back, but at the same time, I just want to move on. You may or may not look fondly or introspectively back at that time, and I don’t blame you.
If you’re a fan of one or more of any member of this fantastic cast, you’ll definitely enjoy With/In. You’ll see a personal side of them that you may not get from a big studio production. There is a great deal of insight into humanity and pandemics to glean. However, I understand that if you’re not quite yet ready to revisit the last two years of your life, it might be a pass for now.
"…interesting to reflect on where we, as individuals and a society, were at that time."
