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Sex, Love, Misery: New New York (2022) by Shannon Alexander: Dating in a Pandemic-Stricken City

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Jul 22
  • 8 min read

Movie Summary: Navigating NYC's Dating Scene During COVID-19

"Sex, Love, Misery: New New York" is a 2022 American documentary film written and directed by Shannon Alexander. The film offers a candid and unfiltered look into the modern dating experiences of diverse singles in New York City, specifically during the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows a handful of individuals as they navigate online dating, relationships, and the complexities of romantic connections in an unprecedented era of social distancing and uncertainty. The documentary reveals their candid thoughts and encounters, from initial texts to hook-ups and beyond.

Detailed Summary: Six Singles, Three Potential Connections

The documentary introduces six diverse individuals in New York City, pairing them up into three potential couples:

  • Aisha Kerensa and Emile Filippi: Aisha, who admits she has never been in a serious relationship since high school, finds herself drawn to Emile, a French man. Their developing chemistry becomes a central focus of the film, as Aisha reconsiders her previous views on relationships. Their dynamic, encompassing moments of affection and conflict, takes up a significant portion of the runtime.

  • Izzie Zuniga and Jack Terzi: Izzie, who is resolute about not wanting to marry again, is paired with Jack, an aspiring stand-up comedian. Their initial date is portrayed as awkward and strained, with struggles in making small talk. The film observes whether they can overcome these first impressions to find common ground.

  • Camila Allison and Troy Weekes: Camila, who is fitness-focused, dates Troy, a musician who values confidence in his partners. Camila expresses frustration that Troy did not make a move on their first date, though she concedes it was only the beginning. The film explores their uncertainty regarding romantic prospects but suggests a potential for friendship.

The documentary's structure primarily relies on back-and-forth interviews with each of the subjects, allowing them to express their desires, frustrations, and insights into the modern dating scene. It largely avoids showing the actual dates, preferring to capture the "before and after" perspectives of the participants.

Plot Summary: A Series of Dating Vignettes

"Sex, Love, Misery: New New York" does not follow a traditional linear narrative with a singular plot arc. Instead, it functions as a series of interconnected vignettes, each exploring the dating experiences of the featured individuals.

  • The film sets the stage by introducing the six singles and their individual approaches to dating during the pandemic.

  • It then documents their attempts to connect, showing the preparations for dates, the internal monologues about expectations, and the post-date reflections.

  • The narrative contrasts the perspectives of potential partners, highlighting disparities in expectations, communication styles, and interpretations of events.

  • While some connections show promise, and others remain uncertain, the film concludes by offering a snapshot of their dating lives, emphasizing the complexities and emotional labor involved in seeking connection in a challenging urban environment.

Director's Vision: Shannon Alexander's Observational and Unfiltered Lens

Shannon Alexander, as the writer, director, and producer of "Sex, Love, Misery: New New York," aims to provide an unfiltered and observational glimpse into contemporary dating.

  • Realism and Authenticity: Alexander's vision is to capture the raw reality of dating. He takes an almost "fly-on-a-wall approach," allowing audiences to see and understand each subject intimately.

  • Focus on Internal Perspectives: By primarily using interviews and focusing on the "before and after" of dates, Alexander emphasizes the internal thoughts, anxieties, and desires of the daters, rather than staged interactions.

  • Unbiased Lens (Attempted): Reviewers note Alexander's attempt to be unbiased and non-judgmental, aiming to let the subjects speak for themselves without heavy directorial influence.

  • The Pandemic's Impact: A crucial part of Alexander's vision is to highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic specifically impacted dating in a dense urban environment like New York City, adding a unique layer of challenge and nuance to the pursuit of love.

  • Editing Ingenuity: Critics have praised Alexander's editing, which effectively "compares and contrasts what one person says about the date versus what the other is saying," creating moments that are "funny, endearing... as well as some hard truth scenarios."

Themes: Modern Dating, Isolation, and Human Connection

  • Modern Dating Complexities: The film delves into the challenges and nuances of dating in the age of apps, swiping, and ghosting.

  • COVID-19's Impact on Relationships: A central theme is how the pandemic, with its lockdowns and social distancing, reshaped dating norms and intensified feelings of isolation and longing for connection.

  • The Search for Connection: Despite the difficulties, the film underscores the fundamental human need for romantic and emotional connection.

  • Perception vs. Reality in Dating: The documentary highlights how individuals perceive their own dating experiences versus how their potential partners might view the same events.

  • Vulnerability and Honesty: The interview format allows subjects to be candid about their hopes, fears, and frustrations, exploring the vulnerability inherent in seeking love.

Key Success Factors: Engaging Subjects and Timely Relevance

  • Engaging Personalities: The film's strength lies in its diverse and compelling subjects. Critics highlight that "each person is engaging in their own right," making their dating journeys interesting to observe.

  • Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: Focusing on dating during the COVID-19 pandemic gave the film immediate relevance, capturing a unique moment in social history.

  • Candid and Unfiltered Approach: The documentary style, with its focus on interviews and personal reflection, offers an unfiltered look that many viewers appreciate for its honesty.

  • Observational Style: Shannon Alexander's "fly-on-a-wall" and "observational style" allows audiences to vicariously experience the challenges and awkwardness of modern dating.

Awards & Nominations: A Niche Acclaim

  • Official Selections at Film Festivals: The film has been an official selection at several independent and documentary film festivals, including:

    • Catalina Film Festival (2022) (Premiere)

    • Dumbo Film Festival (2022)

    • The Roxbury International Film Festival (2023)

    • Queens World Film Festival (2023)

    • Garden State Film Festival (2023)

    • Richmond International Film Festival (2023)

    • Denton Black Film Festival (2023)

  • No Major Industry Awards (Yet): As of current information, the film has not received major industry awards (e.g., Golden Globes, Academy Awards). Its recognition is primarily within the independent film festival circuit.

Summary: "Sex, Love, Misery: New New York" has been showcased at numerous independent film festivals, which is a significant achievement for a documentary of its kind, indicating its recognized quality within that sphere

Critics' Reception: An Honest Glimpse into Pandemic Dating

Critical reception has been generally positive, praising its authenticity and unique insights, with some minor points regarding its structure. Reviews are found primarily on independent film and documentary-focused platforms.

  • Authenticity and Unfiltered Honesty: Critics commend the film for its raw, candid, and authentic portrayal of modern dating experiences in New York City, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's noted for allowing subjects to be vulnerable and open (Film Threat, BRWC, High On Films).

  • Engaging Subjects: The diverse singles featured are found to be compelling, making their individual dating journeys and personal reflections highly interesting to watch (Film Threat, BRWC).

  • Observational Style: Shannon Alexander's direct and observational approach is appreciated for giving viewers an immersive, personal, and frank look into the dating scene (High On Films).

  • Exploration of Perception and Judgment: The documentary is highlighted for revealing how individuals perceive dates and interactions differently, providing insights into modern dating dynamics (FilmCarnage.com).

  • Pacing and Structure: Some reviews note an episodic or "shapeless" quality to the narrative, which, while offering a slice-of-life feel, can sometimes lead to a lack of traditional closure or a less balanced focus across all subjects (Projected Figures, High On Films).

Summary: "Sex, Love, Misery: New New York" is lauded by critics for its genuine and unfiltered depiction of pandemic-era dating, driven by engaging subjects and an authentic observational style. While its episodic nature and lack of definitive conclusions were noted by some, these aspects are often seen as contributing to its realistic portrayal.

Reviews: Navigating Texts, Hookups, and the Search for Connection

Reviews from audiences and independent film enthusiasts resonate with the film's relatable depiction of contemporary relationship challenges.

  • Focus on Diverse Singles and Their Journeys: The film follows a group of diverse individuals as they navigate dating app culture, texts, hookups, and the search for meaningful connections in NYC (Apple TV, TubiTV synopses).

  • Pandemic Context: The unique challenges and emotional toll of dating during the COVID-19 pandemic are central to the experiences shared by the subjects.

  • Relatability: The film is highly relatable for anyone familiar with modern dating, showcasing the ups and downs of swiping, ghosting, and deciphering intentions in a digital age (Reel News Daily).

  • Mix of Hope and Disappointment: Reviews frequently describe the film as portraying a realistic blend of hope and disappointment, reflecting the inherent uncertainties and emotional rollercoaster of dating (BRWC, FilmCarnage.com).

  • Open-Endedness: The film often leaves the outcomes of relationships ambiguous, which is seen as a realistic reflection of how real-life dating often unfolds without neat conclusions (Projected Figures).

Summary: "Sex, Love, Misery: New New York" is reviewed as a compelling and relatable documentary that immerses viewers in the contemporary dating lives of diverse singles. It captures the honest struggles, triumphs, and the ongoing search for connection in an urban environment, particularly shaped by the pandemic, without offering simplistic resolutions.

Release Date on Streaming: Available Now

"Sex, Love, Misery: New New York (2022)" was released on May 26, 2022, and is available for streaming on platforms such as Tubi and Plex.

Why to Watch This Movie: A Timely and Relatable Snapshot

  • Relevant Social Commentary: The film provides a unique and timely snapshot of dating in New York City during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Candid Insights: It offers honest and often vulnerable insights into the thoughts and feelings of singles navigating modern romance, making it highly relatable for anyone who has experienced online dating or pandemic-era relationships.

  • Engaging Characters: The diverse cast of individuals brings varied perspectives and engaging personalities to the screen.

  • Observational Documentary Style: If you appreciate documentaries that offer a fly-on-the-wall perspective and let the subjects speak for themselves, this film will appeal to you.

Movie Trend: Post-Pandemic Social Commentary Documentaries

"Sex, Love, Misery: New New York" aligns with the emerging trend of post-pandemic social commentary documentaries. These films capture and analyze the profound shifts in human behavior, social interactions, and daily life brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend reflects a collective effort to understand and process the global experience, focusing on how individuals adapted to new realities, whether in dating, work, family life, or mental well-being. Such documentaries often serve as valuable historical records and offer intimate insights into societal resilience and change.

Social Trend: Redefining Connection in a Hybrid World

The film taps into the ongoing social trend of redefining human connection and intimacy in a hybrid world of digital and physical interactions. The pandemic accelerated a shift towards online communication for dating, work, and social life, prompting a re-evaluation of how relationships are formed, maintained, and perceived. This trend involves navigating the complexities of online profiles, virtual dates, delayed physical intimacy, and the heightened awareness of personal boundaries and safety. "Sex, Love, Misery: New New York" directly engages with these realities, reflecting a broader societal adjustment to new modes of social engagement and the search for authentic connection in a continuously evolving landscape.

Final Verdict: An Engaging Look at Pandemic Dating

"Sex, Love, Misery: New New York (2022)" by Shannon Alexander is an engaging and timely documentary that offers an unfiltered look at the challenges and realities of modern dating in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through candid interviews with six diverse singles, the film captures their hopes, anxieties, and unique approaches to finding connection in an unprecedented era. While some critics noted an occasional "unnaturalness" in performances, the documentary is generally praised for its observational style, its engaging subjects, and its ability to provide a relevant and often humorous snapshot of contemporary romance. Available on streaming platforms like Tubi and Plex, it's a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in social dynamics, dating in the digital age, or the human experience during a global crisis.


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