“Somewhere In Between”
Credits:
Directed by: Kyle Vorbach
Written by: John Horan and Kyle Vorbach
Starring: Taylor Misiak, Ryan O'Flanagan, John Horan
Run Time: 00:15:02
Available to stream? Yes, on YouTube.
For those that have been to a film festival, it’s apparent that two of the most played out subgenres you’ll see are the romcom and the time travel movie. There’s always someone, somewhere, regardless of budget, talent, or geography who thinks that they have a new take on these types of stories. John Horan and Kyle Vorbach (the duo behind Future Boyfriends) manage to craft a solid entry to both of those subgenres with Somewhere In Between that is both entertaining and endearing.
At the start of this film, we’re introduced to Jack (Ryan O'Flanagan) and Emily (Taylor Misiak) on New Year’s Eve. It becomes apparent very quick that these two are stuck in the “just friends” phase, though it’s clear that Jack wants more. Emily has requested a low key New Year’s, after what seems like a traumatic one the year prior. Just as Jack and Emily settle in to a quiet, cozy, and completely platonic evening, a time traveler bursts into the backdoor of Jack’s house throwing a wrench in the whole evening.
What follows in this unexpected turn of events carefully walks the line between Zemeckis-esque time travel lore and an Apatow level awkward comedic sweetness. In fifteen quick minutes we’re sucked into the chaos as much as Jack and Emily are, and all throughout asking if our lead couple “will” or “won’t”. Up until the end it really seems like it could go either way, and that feels like all credit is due to Kyle Vorbach, the film’s director (who also served as co-writer and editor), who threads a needle through this story, characters, and pacing. Skyler Bocciolatt’s visuals play well with both of these subgenres, and you can tell that the art department, led by Kaitlin Robertson (Production Designer), and Josh Kay (Art Director) had a lot of fun with this one, especially in Jack’s garage with the time machine.
While this film is well produced, sleek, and smart, at least one star in this review is reserved specifically for Taylor Misiak, who in recent year’s has come to prominence in FX’s Dave and can be seen soon in Fox’s Going Dutch alongside Denis Leary and Danny Pudi. Misiak has a star quality that shines brighter than anything else in this film. There is an effortlessness and natural approach that all at once manages to balance humor and an emotional appeal. All of those elements make the twist at the end of this film land even harder.
It’s easy to root for everything in this film. It’s lighthearted, sweet, and clever, all when it needs to be. The production value and look elevates this concept beyond a DIY “we’ve got time to kill, so let’s make a short film” film to something worth remembering, all while maintaining a simple delivery.
4/5 Stars
Taylor Misiak, Ryan O'Flanagan and John Horan in Somewhere In Between (Kyle Vorbach, 2024).