New Movies: Beth + Jeremy and Steve (2023) by Daniel M. Hill: A Reckoning with Adulthood
- dailyentertainment95
- May 29
- 10 min read
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve" is Daniel M. Hill's debut feature, a dark comedy that navigates the complexities of a 30-something married couple, Beth and Steve, at a crossroads. Feeling adrift, Beth forms an unexpected, emotionally charged connection with Jeremy, a teenage DJ and swimmer, leading to a nuanced exploration of contemporary marriage, desire, and the often-unconventional path to adult fulfillment.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10544752/
Link to watch: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Beth-Jeremy-And-Steve/4083350?cmp=rt_leaderboard (US)
Detailed Summary
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve," a 2023 dark comedy drama, marks the intriguing feature debut of filmmaker Daniel M. Hill. The film centers on Beth and Steve, a married couple in their thirties grappling with unspoken questions about children, their individual dreams, and the creeping possibility of drifting apart. Amidst this marital stagnation, Beth encounters Jeremy, a high school swimmer and aspiring DJ. Drawn to his youthful passion and vitality, Beth embarks on an unexpected, emotionally complex connection with Jeremy. The film delves into the nuances of this burgeoning relationship and its impact on the existing marriage, exploring themes of contemporary monogamy, unmet desires, and the ongoing process of "coming of age" at different life stages. Set against an "atmospheric, dreamy, low-key funny and somewhat acerbic" backdrop of Portland, Oregon, with a retro-mod visual palette reminiscent of the 1980s, "Beth + Jeremy and Steve" avoids easy answers, instead offering a thoughtful, intelligent, and at times suspenseful exploration of human connection, impulse, and the complexities of fidelity.
Plot Summary
Marital Crossroads: Beth and Steve, a married couple in their 30s, find themselves at a pivotal point in their relationship, questioning their future amidst a sense of stagnation and drifting apart.
Beth Meets Jeremy: Feeling lost and unfulfilled, Beth encounters Jeremy, a much younger teenage DJ and swimmer, who embodies a sense of passion and spontaneity that draws her in.
An Unconventional Connection: Beth and Jeremy develop an unexpected and emotionally charged bond, sparked by shared interests and a mutual search for something more.
Navigating Complex Desires: The film explores the intricacies of this burgeoning relationship and how it impacts Beth's marriage to Steve, challenging conventional expectations of fidelity and adult responsibility.
Confronting the "Ménage à trois": As the emotional lines blur and a "forbidden love triangle" develops, the characters are forced to confront jealousy, unspoken desires, and the messy realities of complex human relationships.
Director's Vision
Contemporary Marriage and Monogamy: Daniel M. Hill's debut aims to provide a smart, contemporary take on marriage, monogamy, and the continuous process of becoming an adult, even into one's thirties.
Intersection of Ages: Hill sought to explore the intersection of a "middle thirties couple, childless and adrift," with a "teenage boy who is floating through life day to day," examining how they interact with conventional expectations.
Mature Exploration of Desire: Departing from the "testosterone driven fantasies" of 80s/90s young male films, Hill treats both the teen and the adults with a mature exploration of their needs and impulses, aiming for honesty in navigating complex relationship circumstances.
Atmospheric and Melancholy Tone: The film is designed to radiate a "weird, darkly comical sense of melancholy," set against a "retro-mod visual palette reminiscent of 1980s Portland," using ambient storytelling and music to evoke emotional connectivity.
Avoiding Easy Choices: Hill's vision avoids easy choices and instead presents a story that "feels honest," allowing characters to navigate complex circumstances and make choices that may not make perfect sense objectively but resonate personally.
Themes
Contemporary Marriage and Monogamy: The film deeply examines the challenges and evolving nature of modern marriage, particularly when confronted with stagnation, unmet needs, and the allure of external connections.
Coming of Age (at Any Age): It explores the idea that "coming of age" isn't exclusive to adolescence, highlighting how individuals in their thirties can still be grappling with identity, purpose, and the societal expectations of adulthood.
Unconventional Connection and Desire: The film delves into the complexities of unexpected emotional and physical connections, challenging societal taboos surrounding age gaps and exploring the nuances of human desire beyond conventional boundaries.
Yearning and Unfulfillment: A pervasive theme is the sense of yearning and unfulfillment experienced by the characters, leading them to seek external connections or impulses to fill perceived voids in their lives.
Truthful Navigation of Complexity: The narrative embraces the messy, complicated realities of human relationships, fidelity, and self-discovery, avoiding simplistic answers or judgments.
Key Success Factors
Nuanced Exploration of Relationships: The film's strength lies in its willingness to delve into the complexities of human relationships, avoiding simplistic judgments and offering a thoughtful, intelligent portrayal of its characters' desires.
Unique Age Dynamics: The unconventional age gap in the central connection offers a fresh perspective on themes of desire, mentorship, and self-discovery, setting it apart from typical romantic dramas.
Strong Independent Filmmaking Voice: As Daniel M. Hill's debut, the film showcases a distinctive artistic vision, praised for its atmospheric quality, darkly comical tone, and honesty.
Festival Recognition: Its screenings at various film festivals like SF IndieFest, Chicago Blow-Up Film Fest, Santa Fe Film Festival, and Bremen FilmFest, coupled with positive critical reception from independent outlets, builds significant early buzz.
Relatable Themes of Adulthood: Despite the unconventional plot, the underlying themes of marital crossroads, unfulfillment, and the ongoing search for meaning in adulthood resonate with many viewers.
Awards and Nominations
As an independent film, "Beth + Jeremy and Steve" has gained recognition on the festival circuit. While specific major awards are not widely detailed beyond its festival selections, it has been lauded for its winning screenplay and standout performances in promotional materials. It was the opening film at Germany's Bremen FilmFest and has screened at SF IndieFest, Chicago Blow-Up Film Fest, and Santa Fe Film Festival, indicating positive reception within the independent film community.
Critics Reception
The Independent Critic (Richard Propes): Praised it as a "thoughtful, intelligent film that avoids easy choices and instead Hill tells a story that feels honest." Propes noted a "weird, darkly comical sense of melancholy" and that it "treats both the teen and the adults with a mature exploration." He concluded that it's "a promising debut from Daniel M. Hill" and "a film you won't quickly forget."
Cinema Yūgen: Described the film as an "offbeat dark comedy" that "delves into a forbidden love triangle, capturing the essence of emotional connectivity through music and ambient storytelling." They highlight its "winning screenplay and standout performances."
Festival Audiences: Given its festival selections, particularly as an opening film at Bremen FilmFest, audience reception is likely to have been positive, with viewers appreciating its unconventional narrative and mature themes. The film's ability to challenge expectations while remaining emotionally honest would appeal to independent film enthusiasts.
Overall Summary: Critics' reception for "Beth + Jeremy and Steve" is generally positive, especially from independent film reviewers. They commend Daniel M. Hill's debut for its intelligent script, nuanced approach to complex relationships, and its ability to blend dark humor with poignant themes. The film is recognized for avoiding clichés and offering an honest, memorable portrayal of its characters' struggles.
Reviews
The Independent Critic (Richard Propes): "There's never really a moment when you're not aware this is a low-budget indie, though it's the kind of low-budget indie that indie/microcinema fest audiences enjoy and it's the kind of film that has you rushing over to IMDB to learn more about the ensemble." This review highlights its indie aesthetic while praising its engaging story and performances.
Overall Summary: Reviews for "Beth + Jeremy and Steve" emphasize its thoughtful and honest portrayal of complex relationships, particularly a mature take on an unconventional love triangle. The film is praised for its ability to navigate sensitive themes with nuance, its distinct independent film aesthetic, and the compelling performances of its lead actors. While acknowledged as a low-budget production, it's seen as a strong and memorable debut from Daniel M. Hill.
Production Summary
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve" is a 91-minute (1 hour 31 minutes) American comedy-drama film produced in 2023. It is the feature debut of writer, director, and editor Daniel M. Hill. The film stars Briana Ratterman as Beth, Matthew Dibiasio as Steve, and Lucas Friedman as Jeremy, alongside a supporting cast including Caleb Sohigian, Nancy Lynne, and Caroline Hudson. Production companies include Sowelu Theater (of which Daniel Hill is a member), Anicca Digital Arts, and E-Town Productions. The film was shot in Portland, Oregon, with Michael Pritchard as the Director of Photography.
Production Companies
Sowelu Theater (USA), Anicca Digital Arts (USA), E-Town Productions (USA).
Sales Companies
Freestyle Digital Media (USA) is handling the digital and DVD sales for "Beth + Jeremy and Steve" in the United States, indicating their role in bringing the film to various digital platforms.
Distribution Companies
Freestyle Digital Media (USA) is the distributor for "Beth + Jeremy and Steve" for its digital internet, satellite, and cable platforms, as well as DVD release in the United States. They are responsible for making the film available on various VOD and home video outlets. Apple TV also lists the film as available through its platform.
Release date on streaming
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve" is scheduled for release on major HD digital internet, satellite, and cable platforms, including VOD and DVD, starting May 30, 2025. It is already listed on platforms like Apple TV (with a 2025 release date), and Blu-ray.com also confirms its digital release on this date.
Theatrical Release
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve" premiered on the film festival circuit in 2023 and early 2024, screening at events such as SF IndieFest, Chicago Blow-Up Film Fest, Santa Fe Film Festival, and opening at Germany's Bremen FilmFest. While no wide theatrical release dates were found for 2023, its digital release in May 2025 will be its primary widespread availability.
Why to recommend this movie
Intelligent and Nuanced Storytelling: The film offers a refreshing take on relationship dynamics, avoiding clichés and delving into the complexities of human desires and choices.
Realistic Portrayal of Adulthood: It resonates with viewers navigating the challenges of marriage, personal growth, and societal expectations in their thirties, making it highly relatable.
Strong Independent Voice: Daniel M. Hill's debut showcases a distinctive directorial vision, bringing a unique blend of dark comedy and melancholy that sets it apart.
Thought-Provoking Themes: The film encourages contemplation on fidelity, personal fulfillment, and the ongoing process of self-discovery at any age.
Compelling Performances: The lead trio delivers strong, honest performances that make their unconventional relationships believable and emotionally engaging.
Why to Watch Movie
If you are looking for a mature and unconventional relationship drama: This film offers a realistic and non-judgmental look at a complex love triangle.
For fans of independent cinema with a unique voice: Daniel M. Hill's debut promises an artistic and thought-provoking experience that isn't afraid to explore uncomfortable truths.
If you appreciate films that explore adult themes with humor and melancholy: The dark comedy tone provides a refreshing perspective on challenging life situations.
To see fresh talent in filmmaking: Witness a promising debut from a director who is receiving positive buzz from the festival circuit.
If you're interested in the complexities of modern marriage and self-discovery: The film delves into the internal and external pressures faced by individuals navigating these aspects of life.
Movie Trend
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve" is following the trend of Indie Dramedies Exploring Millennial/Adult Life Crises and Unconventional Relationships. This trend often features characters in their late 20s or 30s grappling with existential questions about career, marriage, parenthood, and personal fulfillment. These films typically blend humor with poignant drama, often showcasing non-traditional relationship structures or unexpected connections, and are characterized by an authentic, sometimes melancholic, tone and a focus on character-driven narratives rather than grand plot arcs.
Social Trend
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve" is following the social trend of Re-evaluating Traditional Milestones and Relationship Norms. There's a growing societal conversation, particularly among millennials and younger generations, about delaying or opting out of traditional life stages like marriage and parenthood, and questioning conventional relationship structures like strict monogamy. The film speaks to this trend by portraying a couple in their thirties at a crossroads regarding these societal expectations, and exploring a relationship that deviates from the norm, reflecting a broader societal shift towards more individualized and flexible life paths.
Final Verdict
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve" is a compelling and confidently executed debut from Daniel M. Hill, offering a nuanced and often darkly humorous look at the complexities of contemporary relationships and the ongoing journey of self-discovery in adulthood. Its willingness to explore unconventional connections and the internal struggles of its characters with honesty makes it a refreshing and thought-provoking watch. While its independent nature means it may not reach a massive audience, its strong critical reception and relatable themes ensure it will resonate deeply with those who seek intelligent, character-driven dramas. It's a promising start for a new voice in independent cinema.
Recommendations for film makers
Embrace Nuance in Character & Relationships: Filmmakers should strive to create characters and relationship dynamics that are complex, flawed, and avoid easy categorization, allowing for a more honest and engaging portrayal.
Find Humor in Melancholy: Learning from Hill's approach, filmmakers can effectively blend dark comedy with serious themes to create a unique tone that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, appealing to a broader range of viewers.
Utilize Local Setting as a Character: The film's use of Portland's "retro-mod" atmosphere demonstrates how a specific location can contribute significantly to the film's tone and thematic depth.
Focus on Character-Driven Narratives: For independent filmmakers, prioritizing authentic character development and internal struggles over large-scale plots can lead to more impactful and cost-effective storytelling.
Be Persistent with Festival Circuit: The journey of "Beth + Jeremy and Steve" highlights the importance of submitting to and leveraging film festivals for exposure, critical recognition, and ultimately, distribution opportunities.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Distinctive Independent Voices: The industry should continue to seek out and fund films from emerging directors like Daniel M. Hill, who bring fresh perspectives and unconventional storytelling approaches.
Invest in Relatable Adult Dramas: Recognize the audience demand for films that authentically portray the complexities of adult relationships, marriage, and mid-life existentialism, beyond typical romantic comedies or high-stakes dramas.
Embrace Thematic Diversity: Encourage stories that challenge traditional norms and explore the nuances of human connection, even if they touch on sensitive or unconventional topics, as these can foster important societal conversations.
Strategic Digital Distribution for Indies: For independent films with festival acclaim, aggressive digital and VOD release strategies are crucial to maximize reach and financial success given limited theatrical windows.
Promote Films Based on Critical Buzz: Leverage strong independent critical reception and festival awards in marketing campaigns to build awareness and attract audiences who value artistic quality and thought-provoking content.
Final Conclusions
"Beth + Jeremy and Steve" is a commendable debut that delves into the messy realities of adult life and unconventional desires with refreshing honesty and a darkly comedic touch. Daniel M. Hill's film thoughtfully explores contemporary marriage, the elusive nature of adulthood, and the unexpected paths to fulfillment. With strong performances and a distinct artistic sensibility, it has garnered deserved praise from independent critics. This film stands as a compelling example of how independent cinema can offer incisive, character-driven narratives that resonate deeply by fearlessly exploring the complexities of the human heart, making it a significant and memorable addition to the film landscape.
コメント