PICK UP | Omeleto

Ex-lovers reconnect on a car ride.
PICK UP is used with permission from Clare Cooney. Learn more at clare-cooney.com.
Nina is on her way to the airport to pick up Greg. But this is no ordinary ride: Greg is her ex-boyfriend, and they're seeing each other for the first time in months... in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As they make small talk, they navigate several questions. Windows up or down? Masks on or off? But as the ride continues into the evening, another unspoken set of questions emerges: what happened between them in the past, and what do they mean to each other now.
Written, edited and directed by Clare Cooney -- who also features as the co-lead, along with co-producer Chris Rickett -- this moody, luminous short romantic drama examines how the pull of love, longing and attraction persist, even when things seem officially over. But it also examines how the overarching circumstances of a global pandemic are shaping people's emotional lives in uncertain and unpredictable ways.
Essentially a two-hander with a significant portion taking place in a car, the cinematography by Olivia Aquilinia takes advantage of the California magic hour, as the burnished late afternoon light gives way to a mysterious night. The emotional arc between Nina and Greg follows a similar progression: they start with a slightly awkward but sunnily polite friendliness that veers close to their intimate knowledge of one another's patterns and foibles, but then shy away from "going there."
Being a two-hander, the dialogue does a lot of the narrative heavy-lifting, establishing characters and their shared past with an elegant, perceptive economy. As they chat, Nina and Greg tiptoe closer and closer to familiarity. But there are unspoken obstacles between them, the most immediate of which is the pandemic. They initially navigate whether or not they should sit next to each other, keep the car windows up or down and then talk with masks on or off. The uncertainty is partly because they don't know if they are good enough friends to share the same bubble -- which begs the bigger question of where they stand with one another.
The performances by Cooney and Rickett deftly capture this push-pull dynamic, as the characters deal with both doubt and connection. Both beautifully delineate the comfort and connection of former lovers, layered with doubt and self-protection. Eventually, their conversation slowly peels off these layers, though not without difficulty. Their physical masks come off, but the emotional ones don't quite fall off as easily. In some ways, the pandemic has reinforced their existing tendencies of avoidance, isolation and hiding their vulnerabilities, and these aren't shed so easily -- to both characters' poignant regret.
Shot with a skeleton crew during the Covid-19 pandemic, PICK UP intertwines the uncertain social dynamics brought about by the global health crisis with the fraught emotional ones of a former couple. Many have speculated whether or not the pandemic will help us reshape our lives to reflect our true priorities, while others instead think it will prompt a whole level of escapism as we let off steam.
But PICK UP offers a more nuanced, complicated view. The isolation may force us to face the knottier, thornier aspects of ourselves, whether it's our craving for any kind of relationship in the void of connection or the deep gnawing feelings of past rejection and sadness. Or, it may also help us put off reckoning with the consequences of our words and actions. Both Greg and Nina have to deal with their past, but despite their physical proximity for a few hours, the distance between them is farther than ever.

[@ClareMCooney]

Hi everybody, I'm Clare Cooney, the writer, director, & editor of PICK UP. I'm overwhelmed by the incredible response so far! Thanks so much for watching, feel free to ask any questions. I hope you enjoy the film and share it with your friends :)

[@irbazali6270]

I like how real this short movie was. Everything from the dialogue to the actors fit in perfectly. Looking forward to more of your work Clare.

[@samyakshrestha1540]

Keep up the good work

[@a-dzikosimbagegele2119]

Hi @Clare, I loved the simplicity...how it ramped up the emotions. The dialogue is superb. So natural and packed with subtext and accusation. Had a little problem hearing some dialogue in the car though. Good luck with your future projects

[@michaelharper7350]

Clare, you and your team built such an emotionally real scenario between ex-s who have a messy, tangled visceral human reaction. The dialogue and acting by yourself and Rickett was as if you picked a snippet out of my own life. I could see this becoming a feature length film, and not with the typical everyone ends up happy at the end. Life is shameless and doesn't follow a script. The gestures, movements of your character captivated me against the back light of the setting California sun. I do have a question, in your dialogue "pods" were mentioned multiple times. I'm not familiar with that term. Also, what other projects are in your queue? Keep laughing and applaud yourself for doing multiple roles on this film.

[@hudooguru2]

Really enjoyed watching this Clare. Nice work.

[@daveweller9579]

I swear these people aren't even acting ,it's like we're spying on real people.

[@gc_matthew8221]

We are 😳

[@Clamski]

Same thought here

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

It's a live show.

[@againagain394]

Sow tru

[@AAJalandoon]

Verisimilitude.

[@luckymull230]

Who wrote the dialogue? It seems so real! And the actors are excellent, it’s like a hidden camera captured these two having a real life interaction. Wow.

[@ClareMCooney]

thanks!

[@onedaya_martian1238]

@@ClareMCooney Yep, you are amazingly skilled ! Can I send you a script ?

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

It could be from a real life experience.

[@lakeishameriez2061]

@@onedaya_martian1238 I hope she replies

[@petepeter1857]

well if so I'm sorry I heard 🙄

[@MElaughs]

"is that a smile or a glare? I can't tell." Ironic 2020's catchphrase

[@GabrielCsaba]

You can tell from the eyes 99% of the time. If you're in the presence of the 1% who do _not_ smile with their eyes (this guy fits the profile), run for your life.

[@MElaughs]

@@GabrielCsaba I get it, smile with the eyes. The irony of it being 2020 vision, eyes... I think it was lost on you. Nevermind, good health brother ☮️

[@KutWrite]

@@MElaughs: It was lost on me too, due to the 's after 2020. Keep workin' on it though! Humor is good.

[@ridach2232]

Being single is better than toxic relationships but using new person for forgetting the ex person is not a good deal as well 💯

[@AKhan-ur4ws]

someone speaking of an experience

[@1helderpinto]

Agreed

[@irvinloki]

💯

[@fearless_stellar2944]

Thnks I wish someone told me that.

[@fearless_stellar2944]

Sooner.

[@corydalus981]

Very evocative for me, as I long ago lived a somewhat similar experience. A beautiful woman I had been dating for nearly four years asked me if I'd move with her to another city where she was to start her dream academic position. I said yes, abandoning my own research and, it turned out, my own academic career. Thirty years later we are still married and I have never once regretted that decision.

[@jaicabardo4357]

Congratulations for having a long and happy marriage

[@muhammedkoroglu6544]

What have you done instead, if it’s not too private? Did you have to do something for which you hadn’t studied?

[@corydalus981]

@@muhammedkoroglu6544 I've spent my life fluttering around the periphery of science as a lab tech, environmental consultant or lab manager, in both industrial and academic settings. Usually decent jobs, but JOBS, not a career. Of course, the prime reason I let the academic career slip was that I was in a field that, in the end, I lost interest in. Hard to make a career of something that bores you to sleep....

[@hookbeak3516]

To be offered a second chance is rare, for things to work out & continue even better still.

[@dinos9607]

Your experience however is a rarity, a very small percentage of what happens to the case of a man following a woman. It is adviseable to mention it with the caveat that it is the exception not the rule. Men under no circumstances should try their luck in such a case. Invariably at a rate of 95% (and I am modest on the number) it ends in disaster for the man.

[@Graysett]

Man, imagine how much happier they'd both have been if there'd been a bit more honesty up front.

[@littlefatso]

Spoilers man...

[@sztorm94]

@@littlefatso watch first, comment later

[@Graysett]

@@littlefatso Why're you reading the comments before watching the movie? That's like asking the people who just left the theatre room what they thought.

[@littlefatso]

@@Graysett your comment is right under the video for me, impossible not to see.

[@Graysett]

@@littlefatso Weird, it's not like I'm highest Liked or anything. Unluckyyy.

[@KeysirenTheEntertainer]

Acting is really natural!

[@TampaJohn]

I used to act in short films. Some of the directors, in similar skits would give us a broad idea of conversation and have us improvise. It really brought out our natural side.

[@nobull9541]

@@TampaJohn The best method.

[@Trillex-kk1yp]

Acting was so good like actually.

[@lpoChino]

I honestly felt like I was a passenger in the back seat. What an intimate, raw, realistic take on relationships that never had closure. I felt like the couple almost instantly fall into their old dynamics; the good, the bad, and the ugly. I loved how the ending left the audience and the couple with so many unanswered questions. The suitcase in the trunk … BRILLIANT ✨💕

[@zipperpillow]

I knew the girl driving was the writer within seconds. I was hoping it was going to get interesting.

[@16nowhereman]

Most relationships end this way with many unanswered questions. Forget it and move on otherwise it will by cyclical.

[@kayalizzie]

“Then their masks come off....” Literally and emotionally. Bravo 👏🏻

[@markstrain8989]

... like gloves.

[@jessicadean2357]

“Then Their Masks Come Off” I like how Omeleto played this as we would see something horrifying under the mask, or it would be an impersonator. But it was a literal thing. The awkward hello’s, how have you been, etc., then they “take their masks off” per say, and their real personalities come out along with all of their former relationships baggage.

[@EvanTownsend]

I was expecting to see herpes lol

[@mrh6182]

I was expecting that they would be different people lol

[@jessicadean2357]

@@EvanTownsend haha!

[@jessicadean2357]

@@mrh6182 Me too! I was expecting one of them to be a evil twin or something like that!

[@mrh6182]

@@jessicadean2357 Yeah lol! To elaborate I thought the girl would be the man and the man would be the girl lol.

[@ojwells3846]

Getting back with an ex is like watching a movie twice and expecting a different ending the second time you watch it.

[@TheOmkardhamne]

Are girl or boy..

[@Philstoned]

Multi ending movies does exist

[@AKhan-ur4ws]

aaahhhh thats brutal reality , you spoke the truth my bro

[@ojwells3846]

@@AKhan-ur4ws It is true my brother

[@courtneylayne5500]

Not actually true. I'm married with children with my "ex"

[@Butterflywings011]

This is why you don't talk to your exes, period. Because they will act like there still with you but not with you. Feelings don't just magically go away. Whoever the other starts seeing... The ex will feel jelous and territorial. When you break up, you stop all contact for good. Otherwise both of the exes won't be able to move on. I still care for my exes but I don't talk to them for this reason. Anyways, great short film . I hope everyone has a great day ! ❤️

[@float_sam]

Just for some clarity, that's a 'you' thing. And not the default state for most people.

[@dylanferrell4673]

@@float_sam BIG Facts

[@travismartin9322]

I am quite confident that you are a rare woman, as you do not stay in contact with your exbf's. Every woman I ever knew DOESS stay in contact. And It brings more pain, to their ex-bf, and their new bf.

[@tuehanhhan5271]

Totally agree

[@mohitchoprraa1687]

Did i read exes...or its ex?? Wow...u seem to really move on kinda attitude..thats gr8

[@chrisbroussard4951]

I believe the person you choose to marry should bring out the best in you. These two don't seem to be the best match.

[@leonkane8240]

That is a bit cliché & shorted ended & to some significant degree is @ core why relationships between men & women (I am not just talking intermate ones!) have become so fragile. Few are accountable, driven by unrealistic expectations & the unconscious fears of the ego mind. It is either "I am okay & your okay @ the okay chorale" where most seldom venture the courage to put it on the line & be completely honest no matter what or it is always the other person that is the problem. Me? I am far from perfect but I do not put it on anyone to "bring out the best in me", the only one that can do that & the only one that should do that is only me, anything else is illusion. The acting is okay, it is not a bad piece. But it stirs a little anger in me because regardless of the pandemic (relationships were mostly a shite fest before) I would much rather be on my own than be in a pretend relationship where I am little more than an unpaid employee, a fixture that buffers & supports someone else's insecurities self centric focus. You can walk out anywhere into the world @ any time & ask anyone that question "what is the most important thing for a good relationship? & a high % will answer: "communication" but yet how many actually do it? How many make communication a life study? The answer is MY PART TIME FREIND THE CAT!

[@annickalexander]

@@leonkane8240 Lol. All good points, and I agree that cats can make the best of friends, but I don't consider them "part-time" friends just because they need their space! 😸

[@annickalexander]

Also, in my experience, some people definitely do bring the best out of you, while others bring out the worst. Yes, you are ultimately responsible for your own behavior, but others can make it easier or harder for you to act right, lol

[@leonkane8240]

@@annickalexander Nor do I, perhaps I was over doing the comedic irony of being a man that has "hit the wall & become a crazy...um?..cat man". I love him but I have never been good @ reading him

[@annickalexander]

@@leonkane8240 "A crazy cat man" 😸 I love it

[@Malindams]

She looks just like Kate Middleton! Loved this short, great job.

[@davidluck1678]

that is kate middleton

[@alanpepper7250]

Some comments on here about how toxic these two are. I didn’t see it that way. More, a lot of unsaid between them. They had a real conversation, probably, overdue. Frustration and fear are dominate. On some level they want to work it out. Nice piece of work.

[@hafzah1996]

This. Period.

[@16nowhereman]

They have had this conversation or fight before, nothing new, nothing changes.

[@avjake]

The discomfort feels so genuine. Written and acted extremely well, IMO.

[@sophiabeatty3270]

She looks like duchess kate

[@ryanLikesRainyDays]

I'm deeply impressed. The dialogue flows so naturally. The moment where the pen drops is so relatable -- immediately everything from the past comes back to the forefront of both of their minds. With the acting, we can really see the pain, the suppressed optimism, the hidden feelings. I like how the camera pulls back when they're accross from each other at the end. So beautifully directed and acted.

[@miguelmacias8177]

She didn't tell him that she had married the future king of England.

[@ClareMCooney]

hahahah best comment.

[@davidallen4712]

She’s a dead ringer in looks but more of a Megan in character

[@andrewralte4844]

I was looking for this comment

[@mcgarrtirishgal3903]

😄😂🤭

[@lollypopdrop3961]

Okaaaay!!! thank YOU!!! I'm like,,, that face!!!!! is this a Kate Middleton video coming up on my KZbin feed????OMG??!!!

[@tiberiusgracchus4222]

Human relationships are so complicated and can be so painful. Don't be too hard on yourself if you screw it up because most of us have at one point or another. Some of us many times.

[@casey6075]

She’ll be back. He left his luggage in the trunk anyway.

[@marylevin9262]

😹

[@steviem8117]

haha

[@travismartin9322]

I am quite sure he pulled it out, just before he came back in the car and kissed her. Guys notice that stuff

[@alexsomething7995]

No, i think, the game is over for him.

[@BigBoy4004]

Last scene with him turning around he has a bag in his hand, IMHO... 🤔

[@MH-rq3jr]

They really loved each other. The pain in their eyes says maybe they still do.

[@emro4280]

Beautiful in its simplicity. It’s not easy to make something look that natural - like you’re sitting in the middle of the car with them. The pandemic amplified everything, particularly relationships. This was so relatable. And I’m not saying there was anything simple about it. Great writing

[@puppypowerart43]

"At least you're honest about how manipulative you are." Lol that was on point

[@hannahbaxter8825]

No he is being manipulative. I don't like him at all.

[@primesenoutcast5030]

Man, I must say, this was really well done. I was skeptical about clicking on this, coz I knew it would open wounds that haven’t healed yet, but anyway for what it’s worth, I regret letting my ex go. We had a really weird relationship, but yet a whole chunk of communication and honesty would have solved everything. Great story.

[@barfymann362]

Dude, they got Kate Middleton to do this? That's insane. Congratulations to the team.

[@luunaana]

Thought that was Kate Middleton in the thumbnail 😂

[@marylevin9262]

omg duz she look like her !

[@leonkane8240]

I did too

[@thewkovacs316]

so that is why she looks so familiar

[@steadyteddy2552]

Same here if someone told me that was her twin sister I’d believe them.

[@ToThePureAllThingsArePure]

wow, the director, clare cooney, is also the lead actress! pretty impressive. i just also realized she also directs & leads in that omeletto short about the jogger running away from a killer.

[@himlolo]

Knew I recognized her

[@angelino4629]

this is shocking relatable (went through breakup during quarantine) and I LOVE how raw this is, a gem.

[@janetl6339]

What a consuming film. I have gotten lost in it over 20 times. I feel like I am there in the car ride....so real! Wonderful true to life writing. My favorite line, "YOU BROKE UP WITH ME", yet she was still forgiving enough to give him a ride home on a Friday and over three hours long. I have many questions, but I guess that is what makes me watch this film over and over. One question I would like to ask Clare is, what was Neen going to say, when Greg kissed her. Sort of a cliff hanger for me. Leaves me wanting more. Like a prequel leading up to the breakup. Thank you for making such a wonderful film, that has brought up great conversations between myself and my husband.

[@AnthonySforza]

To be fair, I think he broke up with her because she got the job in New York and he didnt want her to have to choose between him or the job. So he made the choice easy for her. Then the pandemic hit and... Im guessing the job was off the table as a result.

[@deathrays]

really really happy to finally see a short with a guy that shows vulnerability, and raw emotions. it's not common. this feels SO REAL.

[@felitsyna]

I would rather say, he is disinvested.

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

@@felitsyna Yeah, he keeps jabbing at her, even though she's really nice to him. And even though HE broke up with HER. Plus, it's really assholish to kiss someone without their permission and in the middle of a pandemic. He just went for it... It was so rude!

[@rockmyworldmusic]

​@Analysis_Paralysis He only kissed her because she said she was single. He's not divested, he's cautious. He was attempting to ascertain her level of interest. When she started flirting back, he took that as the green light.

[@PixelSchnitzel]

Wow, that was uncommonly good acting. Very immersive.

[@24121TunPerak]

What’s even more intriguing than the spectacular performance by Clare and Chris, who manage to so convincingly portray the dynamics between two (ex-)lovers, is finding out that they’re actually a couple in real life! Thank you for such a poignant piece!

[@grimmywizard]

Are you fr?

[@christopherlawley1842]

Aah Haa

[@zipperpillow]

oh, big surprise. Maybe their next film will be about their dog licking his balls, except they use an actor dog to portray their real dog? Couldn't be less interesting.

[@TPRM1]

@@zipperpillow You like Michael Bay movies, don’t you?

[@zipperpillow]

@@TPRM1 C3PO, weren't you yesterday?

[@stevecheevers7337]

This is another great short from Clare Cooney. Check out "Runner" from her, she's got a good eye for doing darkish material. She's also did her first feature film recently as well. She didn't write that one. Nina should have told Greg what her situation was anyway. That she had a new relationship that it wouldn't be for the best for her to collect him or see him right now. If he's wanting to chat then use the phone, that's as far as it goes. We know Greg is 100% wanting something with Nina, I don't think he would have took the lift he knew she wasn't single.She downplays her new romance, I do think she's been with this new guy longer then she's telling Greg. And Greg totally got everything right about her when it comes to relationships and that she would go to her new man after this. It's a bit sad cause both of them clearly are each other's "one" but way too much damage and issues there between them to ever get back to that place they once had. Greg still holds grudge agaisnt Nina for choosing a job over him. Nina still holds a grudge towards Greg for not being supportive of that or that she could love both. Anger comes out again and they leave things permanently damaged for good. Sad but truthful.

[@BadYossa]

A very bittersweet short. The acting was superb and felt entirely natural, especially as the emotions began rising outside his apartment. I came away wondering if she was going to turnaround and head back to see her ex. For me, the moment the new beau mentioned "her usual", she seemed to react slightly, as if wondering if there was more to life to offer to her than "just the usual". I'm not sure that enjoyed is the right word, but it definitely had me riveted throughout. Thanks for giving us such a though-provoking piece.

[@anthonyantao7937]

Wow, this was so real and relatable. This felt like I've lived both of their experiences without having actually lived them. Bravo

[@impulse034]

This was interesting, well worth the watch. I have never understood people who break and still remain friends. I thought when you walk away from someone you shut that door tight and make sure that sh*t remains shut for good. Why would you want to keep looking at your past and what went wrong when you can put it all behind you and rewrite a better new beginning.

[@hookbeak3516]

To break up for whatever reason this should allow both to heal, but if you still bare a grudge the healing isn't complete.

[@sweetbeauty2153]

@Ursa I completely agree 👏

[@Jeniffer61867]

Because unfinished businesses and trauma bonds aren't easy to break

[@stevecheevers7337]

@@hookbeak3516 If it's mutual break up and with a bit of no contact between each other for a few years maybe you can eventually becoming friends or at least be able to hold a conversation. But if it's one sided break up and a ton of just history there like this couple, best to avoid each other like the plague.

[@oby-1607]

Exes are a very delicate matter. They represent a life that could have been but never will be. It can be very painful to see them after a period of time.

[@IvoryEve]

The acting, dialogue and vulnerability/believability portrayed in this short is impeccable. It’s so natural and true which is why so many can relate or put themselves in the characters shoes. I really enjoyed this one and wish it could be a long film on the big screen. It deserves it🙌🏽

[@sabrinabynum9573]

I appreciate so much this episode of real time for us. We dealt with Covid and I rarely see, films showing this era of our lives. ❤️

[@maxmason6053]

The Hollywood studios... big name directors and producers along with the mega star mega money movie stars have absolutely nothing on these Omeleto shorts. These shorts are real life .. past..present .. and future.

[@miriamtuazon8532]

They’re also addictive.

[@EvanTownsend]

There's a reason they're not together anymore. And the reasons are clear

[@KutWrite]

...or "Clare!"

[@monro2159]

This was really very good. A great clever script, well directed and very well performed by the two leads. A total sense of real life, no cliche ending, just raw with emotions and passion that had been spent, are fleetingly re-visited but ultimately extinguished again for the same reasons the break happened in the first place. Very relatable and exuded the angst of passion not dying, but deep connection and trust not re-ignited. Top work.

[@coverartist8899]

It never works, as the brain chemistry will pull both into the same old patterns. It may take a new relationship to start clean. Sometimes, even that doesn't work because of the hangover. Ultimately, the romantic fulfillment of 'love' is an illusion; the torture of vicissitudes will drain one at the end once the sexual attraction wears off. A new one also will get old quickly, and the karma will trap one if kids are involved. This is an excellently done snippet, acting & script. Congratulations!

[@stevegelano]

The female lead is so very pretty

[@steviem8117]

so is the male. or have i been in lockdown too long?

[@alexsomething7995]

Stunning!

[@rap31264]

Clare Cooney

[@MyMusicHarbourage]

@@steviem8117 Yes you've been! 😏

[@steviem8117]

@@MyMusicHarbourage I like to be the prettier one in relationships lol what can I say

[@Te-rt7bq]

Phew, that was intense - more emotion with minimalistic camera intrusion yet deep enough to capture those moments we go thru sooner or later. Brilliant acting from both, camera work n direction excellent!

[@annickalexander]

Omg. This was SO good! The best short film I've seen in a long time. Such great dialog and acting, and the way the information about the past gradually unfolded. Everything about this was utterly believable: the awkwardness, the subtle nuances, the hope, the fear, the buried anger & hurt, the courage and the cowardice. Bravo!!! Apparently he was correct that she wouldn't tell her new beau about what happened. In my opinion, the ex-boyfriend was someone very good for her, because he knew her so well and called her on her BS, but evidently he was willing to give the relationship another chance. He is someone who actually saw her as she was, and he would have helped her to be more honest with herself and have more Integrity going forward. She took the easy route by falling back on the comfort of being with the new boyfriend, who didn't yet know her well enough to challenge her.

[@MsZephyra]

But he also didn't support her new job and broke up with her because she wanted to follow her dream. They both have things they need to work on.

[@noufohere1663]

Plan A vs Plan B without plan C. Plan C trying to be honest. Masterclass of how to make a good short film. I loved it!

[@MeisterKlassisch]

Man, this is so touching. It's like me and my gf, except for the break-up part, we fight, we argue, we love eachother, we have been blessed and we have been together for 17 years now. We almost broke up at several points but never actually could go through with it and we realized it's useless to break-up, it's how you mend things and how much you really care. Now we are at a stage where we know what exactly the other one means even though we can say the meanest things to eachother and then later laugh about it. My advice, just follow your heart, don't break up unless it's absolutely necessary, if you find someone who makes you happy, just grab hold of them and never ever let them go away. Forget your ego, if one is overreacting, calm down, diffuse the situation, next time, the other will do the same. Look for more reasons to stay together rather than breaking up.

[@malec132]

Happy fr ya

[@tomgreene7942]

17 years and still only a gf? Dang I thought I was slow! It only took me 10 years. Now 25 years later and 5 amazing men (formerly children) and I shake my head at being such a slow dope. Sometimes you just got to make the plunge! I don't regret it for a minute.

[@CharlottePrattWilson]

You’ve been together for 17 years and you never asked her to marry you!?

[@MeisterKlassisch]

@@CharlottePrattWilson known her 17 years, 10 years friends and 7 years relationship, marriage soon, as I said, we have had our ups and downs.

[@16nowhereman]

Wise words.

[@denniskurz9135]

THIS WAS A FANTASTIC MOVIE!!! WOW! The villian went back and forth, but it was ACTUALLY HER!!! Oh, damn. AND she realized that...as she DROVE away. She could have fixed that!!! WE'VE ALL been there. GREAT MOVIE!!!

[@211inprogress]

I thought that was Kate Middleton.

[@Bobafe77a]

Yeah, she's similar.

[@chrismulhern82]

She is. And that’s a younger version of William

[@bastiaan1532]

Dang, forced myself to watch the first half because of the great comments. Glad i did. Best short film I've seen in a while. Acting second to none. They belong together 😂😂😂

[@asitnayak636]

Humans are complex !

[@Dr.Kunal1656]

Yeaaaa

[@The_Beast_666]

Oh yeah

[@shangimishra8881]

Ohh yess,very much 😶

[@john26660]

The guy she picked up was her alpha. He is HER GUY. The boyfriend that called at the end is the one she settled for. Nice guy, no passion. Well written, well executed.

[@kanishkataank6865]

Both of them did great acting

[@robertnewberry5886]

Fall for the friction of the past for the sake of familiarity? Or, timidly move toward a sweet invitation and embark on the unknown? Hmmm... No brainier. If it hurts, it's not love. Follow the romance if your not in a relationship. It's sweet and rare.

[@none_of_your_business]

thanks for reading my mind

[@chevonneedmonds7304]

Well said!

[@emilybond7556]

"If it hurts, it's not love" -- wrong. It only hurts if it's love.

[@thalmoragent9344]

Well, depends on the type of hurt I guess. Sorry, just having a hard time understanding/following your comment, could you put it in lamens terms 😅

[@Sandipan_Naskar]

@@emilybond7556 your love life shuks then🥱

[@johnfeatherlin3827]

This is the best Omeleto out of maybe 20 that I've watched! Amazing! So real! I was on the edge of my seat screaming inside waiting for what was going to happen and so blown away by the emotions that I witnessed and that it evoked. A true masterpiece of drama!

[@toddbaumann3980]

Wow im 56 and in a fraction of a second i was back about 25yrs i had pretty much had the same thing happen wow i felt that one

[@mathewomolo]

Avoid your exes in any form. You had a good reason to end it.

[@bripiry]

She looks like “the princess of wales” she’s beautiful. It seems like they had a strong relationship but couldn’t get over the hard decisions that needed to be made and she’s just at the brink of moving on

[@zeenatanjum1635]

Its too real, raw emotions, amazing display. kudos to whoever's responsibled.

[@leviefrauim1425]

I'm watching this in 2023 and so glad all that covid stupidity- the masks, the social distancing, the fear of actual physical contact w/other humans- is over. Well, it's over for us rational people. As for the short, well done. Very personal, very intimate, very uncomfortable.

[@detrajackson5992]

@Clare Cooney, I love when a short film is written, directed, produced AND acted by the same person! I get it that is more cost effective. But it's freaking AWESOME when it is pulled off so effortlessly this was great!!!🥰

[@doubled3082]

These 2 actors were very believable. Love the camera shot that shows her eyes in tbe rear view mirror. Very well done!!

[@Hoong]

It’s good that they’re not together anymore. They shouldn’t be keeping in touch either. From the conversations, the relationship is a very toxic and unhealthy one. He’s immature and she’s insecure. Healthy relationships are built on trust and respect. That includes friendships. You don’t kiss someone without their consent, that’s sexual harassment. Even more so because it’s during a pandemic.

[@ZelindraArkathius]

lmao, you have to ask consent before kissing her? hahahaha gtfoh.

[@Hoong]

@@ZelindraArkathius Yes. Sexual harassment is any sexual act including kissing that is done without another person’s permission.

[@Hoong]

@@ZelindraArkathius It’s called respect

[@Hoong]

@@erdelegy absolutely agree with you.

[@Hoong]

@@ZelindraArkathius Men need to listen more, respect women, and stop sexually harassing women. Men are not entitled to women’s bodies.

[@charlesdavis7940]

Shorts are the new movies. This has everything most newer movies lack: believable characters, great dialing, real acting.

[@rgarlinyc]

She made the right call!👍🏻 Excellent writing, producing, directing and acting by Clare Cooney! 👏🏻👏🏻💖

[@hael8680]

So real....!!! Amazing dialogue by amazing actors!

[@pumpupthevolume4775]

Wow! That was really good. You have a lot of talent Clare. The writing was well done, direction was great and acting was spot on. It was believable, touching and entertaining and for anyone having been in that situation it was real and familiar. The only thing off was the sound that could have been mixed better, but everything else was amazing. Looking forward to more from you.

[@KevinTambling]

I'd second everything said by pumpupthevolume, including the issue with the sound. The only disappointment I had was that I couldn't enjoy this while missing so much of the dialogue. I was really glad the captioning had it accurately transcribed. Great actors speaking naturally can be hard at times to hear and get all the words. For an amazing performance like this I prefer to get all the nuance, but others may be just fine extrapolating from a few words to get the gist of it, like having a conversation in a loud bar. That being said, congratulations on your pioneering piece in the new "pandemic drama" genre! Very enjoyable. Solution? As a part time sound engineer, I would try capturing a clearer voice track with lapel mics, and experimenting with mixing that in with some compression and EQ. A more experienced mixer might say you'd have phasing problems, so I really don't know.

[@Maracujakeks]

I remember watching this during the pandemic and it felt like such a rebellious move of them taking their masks of. 🤣

[@aashkaar8935]

I think what every woman want in his man that he never let her go or leaves her, no matter what the situation is. When a man does not want a woman in his life and let her be left stranded the woman is devastated and vulnerable. At that time she trust the person who is willing to accept her. Even if the girl still loves his ex she can't choose him as he will never accept her

[@Someonelikekanye]

See THIS is chemistry. These films over the last couple years have been having me worried about humanity. Thank god, human connection is still a thing

[@FodorPupil]

Horribly sad, tragic and true. My life story.

[@petrafebrianto1045]

Retweet.

[@walterprice8728]

Really enjoyable viewing, thank you. Excellent acting, leaving me (late middle-aged divorce lawyer in the UK) with the clear impression that the bloke remained hurt and bitter after a painful split, whilst the girl was revealed as manipulative and untruthful. But a sequel might persuade me to change my mind about that! Keep up the good work.

[@ianhjan]

When I was younger I lived through a similar scenario. Like a fool I made the wrong choice. 40 years on the regret consumes me.

[@fuzzbuzz6859]

What was the wrong choice you made?

[@squamish4244]

What, did you marry a former ex or something?

[@ntandoyenkosimahonde31]

I honestly have no words for this one. I'm just astounded, this is what story telling should be about!!

[@indavar]

I won't forget my ex eyes or voice in hundred years

[@alexsomething7995]

Especially if she was the first love

[@Sandipan_Naskar]

@@alexsomething7995 I forgot my my ex /1st lovers voice and eyes after 3 years😂 You will too..! And that's okay... Staying stuck in the past has brought happiness to no-one.

[@alexsomething7995]

@@Sandipan_Naskar It was 14 years ago. Everything is fine! Thanks!!

[@indavar]

@@alexsomething7995 My first true love was when I was 18 I think. I never forget her big black Arabic eyes, nor her voice. Years passed and met many. There are now these big blue eyes I wont forget either.

[@zowieembun1940]

Me too until the clove lost it's perfume

[@adamlyman8293]

Clare!!! Bravo!! Bravo!! Superb writing, acting, editing, etc. I loved this short. Were you even acting, is this your actual ex-boyfriend? :) Thank you!!!

[@Kayaz48]

great dialog. you could see they were both aching for each other. superb acting, almost as if……. they weren’t.

[@AkuraTheAwesome]

I love how when the masks come off the camera gets real close and intimate on their faces.

[@carriemcclure7253]

These two need to avoid each other.

[@ParaAkula]

he needs to avoid her at all costs, he knew her very well, and he was right about her. He is the victim of pandemic isolation, otherwise he would have had a better partner already.

[@TenjiBenji]

Short films are the future. The acting and impact is amazing. Plus it's not taxing on the attention span

[@brisahernandez3022]

Yeah its weird after a breakup. Talking to ex its can bring feelings out that you try to kill or hide😔 they are better as friends then anyhing else.

[@faithr4794]

this relationship lacked trust, commitment and communication. very painful goodbye because of the strong romantic chemistry between them. she looked very enamored by him and told him that she missed him yet couldn't trust her own feelings and decisions in the end. it really does come across as manipulative like he said, but there's obviously still a lot of leftover pain from the breakup that they couldn't get through...so heartbreaking to watch.

[@TheRealdealdude2]

Definitely one of the best short films I’ve seen on this channel, period.

[@steviem8117]

the acting really impressed me, felt like i was in the car awkwardly sitting silently in the back lol

[@elizabeths4371]

Both parties were not being totally honest regarding their lingering deep feelings for each other, but obviously there are some major unresolved problems which broke them up in the first place. Neither trusts the other, even after a long period of time of self isolation and self reflection. However, those negative things that bug them about each other, are the same traits they've excused in themselves- too bad they're too proud to see it because they're destined to make a lot of other people unhappy, until they do.

[@AStarozzy89]

This is sad, imagine how they both would have been happy and things would have ended on a better note had she been honest when he asked if she was seeing anyone. He although broke up with her over job because it wasn’t in their plans as a couple, he still had love for her and hadn’t been with anyone. They could have ended it on a good note had she been honest.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

It's clear that they're not meant for each other, cause they didn't get back together after they broke up. There's a strong reason for that. Couples like that are better off being friends. Or strangers again, even.

[@AStarozzy89]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 I disagree, every human is different with different outlook on life and love. They had been together as a couple only 9 months had passed since they broke up, and just due to being apart doesn’t mean their hearts and love have moved on. Love isn’t something that if real just dies. It would have been best she didn’t go pick him up from the airport, knowing she was seeing someone, and knowing that if her ex was still interested ... as he was and invited her in... she wouldn’t entertain it. She asked him first he told her no he wasn’t seeing anyone, she then lied and it lead to the kiss. 💔 its like she purposefully set out to hurt by agreeing to pick him up knowing she wasn’t going back. He even did say .. “ she could never be alone”, I think she lost out on a good man. Who would have loved her and maybe had a lifelong relationship and family.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

@@AStarozzy89 So in other words, this is all her own fault? Being dishonest about her current relationship in the first place, I meant. I feel like she came to pick him up because she still has feelings for him. But seeing the ending, now I think they just don't click together. There's something off about them being together. Regardless of their feelings for each other, there are other factors involved in love. Compatibility, trust, fidelity, and other related stuff. These factors play a big role in a relationship. So it is true what they say, "Just love is not enough."

[@AStarozzy89]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 I agree that is for some people and some relationships, but in others those things are easily ironed out, compromises are made (ie the job). A lot of 60- 70 year relationship have had numerous ups and downs and tests of compatibility. It’s whether the couple are willing to withstand the test of time and put effort in for the long run. Wish you a blessed day 🙏🏽

[@claresage]

If it weren't for when she said he broke up with her, then it might have been all her fault. It's both of their fault. All they both need is to be more honest about their feelings and put more priority on relationship.

[@jgg204]

Wow, this was like me being a backseat passenger to my own life issues with an ex, in a youtube video.

[@aprioriontoast704]

When you watch this objectively you feel for both of them, they both want to be together deep down but there are a lot of things that make that difficult. They are both flawed and confused.

[@dotunosoba6151]

They don’t know how to be honest especially the girl

[@drcbeartooths]

A terrific few minutes with two real humans. Good job!

[@Lethisha7]

Whoaaaaa this was intense! A good script indeed.

[@tellall23]

I have no idea why I got this recommendation..then why I really played this video..but it was really good..felt so real

[@blimjones]

That soundtrack makes the short film so outstanding. It's excellent!!

[@anthonymorales842]

sweet and heartbreaking no resolve . Many of us have been there. great lines great delivery, the story of modern love in 8 minutes

[@karalindang5541]

found out these two are a couple in real life made my day.

[@vivek27789]

Really?😳

[@markvanderwilligen2615]

LOTS of Kudos to Claire Cooney, producing, starring and editing of this wonderful, sensible short where relationships woes are so well explored and expressed. Well Done!!!!

[@libratude9595]

Clare Cooney in this short, reminds me of a young Jennifer Connelly.

[@lorod]

Wow, i just finished watching this short film.......and I am emotionally exhausted......but In a good way. To any of us who have ever had a serious relationship go south, but you still love the other person and end up in a similar situation............this film totally shows what can happen. Clare, amazing job........on the story, the dialogue, the camera work, and the actors. This had more "HOLLYWOOD" than a lot of big budget films being made. I look forward to your next film. PS> To any big Hollywood producers/directors/studios............I would sign up Clare Cooney for a three picture deal ASAP!!

[@giuliadeamicis8540]

She obviously can't stand to be alone for long, as he said during the ride :D