Dating Audrey

We step into Pete’s (Edmund C. Short) tumultuous world. After the loss of his mother and infidelity from his fiancé, we follow Pete’s isolation and wallowing. Until a figment of his imagination begins to spark joy and meaning once again.

Pete is trying to find his feet amidst the chaos in his life. We find out about his mother’s passing as he rifles through boxes he is still yet to unpack. After watching through his mother’s Audrey Hepburn film collection, he wakes up to find Audrey (Kendal Brenneman) in his house. Understandably feeling confused and no longer sane, Pete tries to get a grip on his life.

The film touches on a variety of emotions: grief, self-pity, and the idea of having your life on hold. Audrey acts as Pete’s escapism from the real world, helping to unpack his feelings and life moving forward. When in actual fact, it’s Pete trying to help himself. It’s a relatable experience for most in terms of feeling stuck and being uncertain of the future. It’s done in a palatable way, verging on a romantic comedy.

Both of the leads bounce off each other in a playful, comedic way. The standout performance is by Kendal Brenneman; it feels as though she’s studied Audrey’s mannerisms, vocal inflections, and little quirks. That, paired with the extensive wardrobe and accurate hair and makeup, make for a believable portrayal. For such a big icon, Kendal takes on this beast with grace and elegance.

The standout aspects of the film come from the artistic direction and aesthetics. Set against a stunning Paris backdrop as the pair wander around, everything feels clean, refreshing, and mirrors Pete’s new lease on life since Audrey appears. The costume department really nails the signature looks of Audrey and throws us right back in time. Any old-school cinema lover will love the look and feel of this short.

Time is what Pete is so hung up about, living in feelings of the past, and whilst nostalgia is fun to relive, it’s a lesson in trying to progress towards a future. It’s evident in a scene between them both where Audrey states ‘if you don’t eat your ice cream, it’s going to melt away’ whilst she means it literally and in a comedic sense; Pete sees it as a metaphor for his own life. A playful quote that we can all take into our own lives.

Overall, the short captures the melancholy and sentimentality of time passing by. With a short run time, it doesn’t manage to grip the audience any deeper than surface level. That being said, it works as a short, fun-filled comedy and is an entertaining watch. Just for the costume changes alone, the visual elements are striking and fulfil each scene.

Dating Audrey has picked up 19 wins and 14 nominations, including Best Comedy at the 27th Annual FirstGlance Film Festival in Philadelphia.