Duane Edwards’ Wrong Numbers is an indie drama about the complexities of life, love, and a May/December romance. Set in Chicago, it tells the story of Emma (Emily Hall), a young woman with her life ahead of her, and Jack (David Kelsey), a middle-aged married businessman who seems stuck in a mid-life crisis.
Their paths cross unexpectedly after Emma’s blind date ends in disappointment. Jack overhears her venting at a nearby table after his business dinner. The two flirtatiously discuss Emma’s insecurities about finding love and Jack’s loneliness in his marriage. This candid conversation leads Emma to boldly invite herself into Jack’s guarded world, culminating in a one-night stand. Both realize this may have been a mistake and agree to part ways.
Years later, Jack unexpectedly encounters Emma at the coffee shop where she works. Their conversation takes on an odd dynamic, almost resembling that of a parent and adult child. Emma has moved on with a new boyfriend and is navigating her challenges, including feeling out of place with her boyfriend’s family. Emma aspires to run her own restaurant, and Jack thinks he can help her by introducing her to his investor friends.
“…a night of intimacy and passion alters their lives in very different ways.”
Emma decides to prepare dinner for the investors, and Jack eagerly offers his help. However, the feelings from their first meeting emerge, and Jack’s true motivations are revealed.
Stories like Wrong Numbers are not new, but writer Frederick Mensh finds his own “in” with the story. Wrong Numbers focuses on the “affair” aspect of Jack and Emma’s relationship and how a night of intimacy and passion alters their lives in very different ways.
There are no fatal attractions or blackmail tropes, but the story is specifically about forbidden love when given a single taste of the apple. I love how the story feels unpredictable and authentic as it explores the journeys of its lost protagonists. Both Emily Hall and David Kelsey give incredible performances, allowing us to invest ourselves in their characters and shift our loyalties throughout.
Wrong Numbers is a two-hander and brilliantly shot in four locations. Director Edwards keeps the pace engaging and the conversation intriguing. He pulls the passion and lust out of our performers, making the ending feel authentic and plausible.
"…unpredictable and authentic..."
