the beginning & the middle - short film (2022)

Two queer childhood best friends are reunited at a house party and debate the pros and cons of finally hooking up. Alexis G. Zall's debut short film.
The debut short film from writer/director Alexis G. Zall starring Lukita Maxwell (HBO Max's Generation, AppleTV+'s Shrinking) and Genneya Walton (Netflix's #BlackAF, Hulu's Darby and The Dead) premiered at BFI Flare in London and went on to screen at NFFTY, the Berlin Independant film festival among others, with director Alexis G. Zall being awarded the inaugural Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker grant at Outfest Film Festival 2022.
follow me present tense:
/ alexisgzall
/ alexisgzall
Praise for 'the beginning & the middle':
Outfest 2022 Winners (Variety): variety.com/2022/film/news/ou...
Outfest LA Highlights: butwhytho.net/2022/07/28/outf...
credits...
cast
--
Lukita Maxwell
Genneya Walton
Aaron Holliday
RiRia
Levi Berhardt
Gibby Palazzolo as Jellybean
crew
--
Alexis G. Zall Writer/Director/Producer
Bo Youngblood Producer
Ramon J. Goni Director of Photography
Anjoum Agrama Editor
Ella Sahlman Music Supervisor
Kristi Lugo Casting Director
Sameerah Hoddison Hair and Makeup Dept Head
Caleb Harris Gaffer
Gabriel Tejeda-Benitez Key Grip
Ann Doria Script Supervisor
Marco Macchiori 1st AC
Daniel Byun 2nd AC
Alexis Hubbard Art Director
Sadie Argus Art Director
Major Latimer Sound Mixer
Michael Palazzolo Locations Manager
Ava Capri Animal Wrangler
Dillon Matthew BTS photographer
Craig Polding Post Sound Mixer
Claudia Sulewski Main Title Designer
Ryan March Colorist
atmosphere
--
Anthony Keyvan Fin Argus
Fiona Robert Buddy Handleson
Ben J. Pierce Brian Niles
Chelsea Aesien Will Noyce
Alexis Hubbard Sadie Argus
Geordie Kieffer Ava Capri
Natalie Niles
music
--
Tourist Season DOA!
Written by: Miel, Henri Bardot Written by: Henry Camp, Dillon Edlin Camp
Performed by: Miel Performed by: Henry Heideman
Courtesy of: Miel Courtesy of: Heideman
Mine Wonder
Written by: Henry Camp Written by: Sutherland, Storyboards
Performed by: Heideman Performed by: Spencer Sutherland
Courtesy of: Heideman Courtesy of: SM1 under exclusive rights to BMG Produced by: Storyboards
Now & Then Walk Backwards
Written by: Lily Kershaw Written by: Maude Latour, Jason Wu
Performed by: Lily Kershaw Produced by: Rabitt
Courtesy of: Performed by: Maude Latour
Nettwerk Music Group Inc. Courtesy of: Warner Records
the beginning & the middle - short film
• the beginning & the mi...
Alexis G. Zall
/ alexisgzall
This project is so special to me and I was equal parts nervous and excited to share this with you. Thank you for being here all this time. I am so grateful for everything.
Love,
agz x
˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗

[@eekitsafreak4469]

Girl make a whole show, you captured their tension and chemistry so well. I'm so proud of how far you've come

[@brookequeripel9016]

I love this so much!

[@ek5739]

i normally don't comment but theres so much i have to say about this short film. you've created a film that felt like it was made for me. an asian american college lesbian who has had conversations like this and also watched the ending go badly. this is the happy ending i wanted so desperately and when have i ever seen a happy ending on screen. the casting, two women of color, people who look like me falling in love and in a setting so familiar too. a college party where everything is possible and also nothing is certain. and finally, the vulnerability of it all and also the strength. these characters are comfortable in themselves and their identities. i've followed you for five years and from your quick skits to this film your videos have been a part of my identity. this is what i needed as a young queer and what i want now. thank you Alexis

[@younico4818]

Girl same I'm asian too rare see .

[@younico4818]

@@chimmyswiftie5252 yes saving movie my fav hahaha hi army hahaha

[@maze2387]

@@chimmyswiftie5252 Thank you!! I've been looking for this movie

[@Captain_dooty]

@@maze2387 what movie

[@alabamaskysvlogs]

finally, a happy lesbian short film ending.

[@yourlocalflatiron6124]

Ikk finally one where neither of them dies

[@rockydavis94]

@@yourlocalflatiron6124there are a few others

[@merchii443]

Fr

[@cats_rule_this_world]

or moves to a city 826163848838119973646 miles away 😢​@@yourlocalflatiron6124

[@LukeKorns]

I loved this, Alexis!

[@rainysyoutube2573]

THIS IS SO AWESOME. It's so grounded, realistic and funny. It ISN'T cheesy, and the cinematography is just ✨✨✨✨

[@kasdflasdf5281]

this was so good!! the little details were so specific to how girls flirt, i found it so relatable and also the way it was shot was so cool it feels like you are right there with them the whole time. cant wait to see what you do next!

[@alienganstera4723]

it captured girls flirting in such a good way hahah, I love how we make everything so complicated 😭

[@lexis6317]

felt like a whole movie was packed into these blissful 11 minutes

[@sarahm7086]

Been here since the beginning, like the beginning beginning, wild to think how old we both are now. So happy to see your successes and artistry, way to go Alexis!

[@tashachella9658]

The 20 lists

[@cjs4279]

oh my god. I have to remember how to breathe they're so soft and playful with each other but also emotionally intelligent and it's just so perfect

[@elyi_]

i mean??? the tension and chemistry are INSANE! my gay heart can't handle this

[@bibbiibss]

alexis we need directors like you in the film industry absolutely love this!!!!

[@jesseperkins1843]

dang, please make this a series that never ends 😭

[@kkthurlbredg3904]

Use your gift in whatever way feels right in your journey! A spin off series would be a great start especially whn the public want more of the content you are creating to share with the🌏 ➕ Wanting a longer time frame in their request. 4instance the short web series called Dummy would be a good Template 2Start2 Build on2for your own spin off.I mentioned Dummy because it was short series that made the best of its sshort time frames so much seemed longer & peft u wanting more at same time.That should b what u reach for in your artistic film projects.stay blessed,never give up &, apply your imagination to its fullest potential...Greatness of ya mind is in full effect; blossoming in2 a finished project to a TV set or comp near the 🌎 .Keep on keeping. One Embrace the possibilities of your talented mind!!!🎉 Yay 4 U🎉

[@montymontano8618]

Excellent writing. Good chemistry between actors. Great direction. You’re in your way, Alexis G Zall.

[@tiffanyislessbored]

What a great perspective. Stop worrying about what will happen at the end and just enjoy the middle. I needed that!

[@wintergreen1784]

AAAAAAAAAAAA THE LINE ABT LOVING SOMEONE WITHOUT NECESSARILY KNOWING THE ENDING CAPTURED SO MANY OF MY ANXIETIES IDK I’M JUST KINDA SPEECHLESS

[@lesmiao]

You portrayed their emotions so well I’m in love with this short movie omg 😭🫶🏼

[@Person-zx9rb]

so excited for this new chapter Alexis, this is incredible 💞

[@vivaglobalrescue7709]

Finally a wlw short film that’s wholesome 🥹

[@bluishblow]

my favorite kind of confession is this "i don't know about the future, but i want you to be part of mine"

[@AzTkoun]

Alexis. I’ve been watching you for a long time now. And to see the growth developing on your channel just amazes me. This film is great and I hope there is more to come in the next. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@kahrahnoel814]

I love this short film, Alexis. The actors were outstanding. Great job producing and directing this film.

[@kenzieousley]

The direction was amazing. The camera movements and angles were so intentional and never took away from the tension. The set design in the bathroom and the final shot were my favorite!!!

[@Loveonmysleeve]

I love all of this. Your attention to detail is phenomenal! Even the dialogue is so natural and easy. My heart

[@kristenpickles2374]

This is just the beginning.. so excited for you and everything you are going to accomplish in these years to come. This was beautiful

[@Human-Person212]

Bro I watched 11 minutes and 8 second just for a 5 second kiss!!? Worth it!! 😩

[@Catlov3r59]

this is so incredible. the dialogue and the camera work are all amazing. i love the representation as well. this portrays how it is so well.

[@yourredhead]

its so rare to see that kind of talk so honestly in movies. Loved it because i usually prefer to have a talk like that before kissing someone i like

[@makayla6789]

oh i’ve been excited abt this for so long. just keep coming back to rewatch. your growth from comedic youtube videos and sketches to this makes me so happy and proud. i’ve loved growing up watching things you create. everything u make is magic, alexis❤

[@jacobaeden]

been following alexis for a long time, she knows how to do a lot of things, we love a multi-talented queen

[@SP-13]

This is beautiful, so glad you were willing to share it with us

[@wenislord8932]

Their was so much tension i could hear my own HEART BEAT , That’s honestly impressive and I would love to see more form you in the future :D

[@wrangter]

i love this!! so proud of you and how far you've come, cant wait for any future projects you share with the world

[@kaitlynfrawley7681]

This was so sweet and wonderful, and made me reflect on the importance of taking risks! I can’t wait to see where the future takes you

[@elinedegroot5818]

I need a whole show about this! This is amazing

[@jennylieu123]

such a beautiful message and well executed!! glad i stumbled on this short film

[@DraconiaFyre13]

This NEEDS to be a full length film. It was incredibly written and acted

[@Isabella-ik5lc]

i literally use to watch u all the time then lost ur channel for such a long time, im so happy this was recommended to me bcuz i didnt even notice it was you and let me tell you this is amazing

[@cathycat8379]

PART 2 PLS!! I LOVED IT SO MUCH

[@mytearsricochvt]

insane how well you've captured the experience of goingback to your high school crush after some time in college despite yourself not having a college education

[@kkthurlbredg3904]

Could've kept that to yourself about the despite no education yourself part..THATS Low🗝 SHADE all day!@ Support thus nind that ha d courage to paint a pic that could be really seen by others nit poin out where this mind could portaryed as lackin in an are that excelled sespite any if society says cant wek if u dont follow wt evryone is supposed to go by or voewd as succes in only one way to het there..I could see if was giving CONSTRUCTIVE Criticism about the work yo opinion is unvalid if given thru negativity. FR .

[@Taylor-di1rv]

This is so beautiful and helped give me some courage to live the way I want to. Sending you love for this 💖💖

[@Mtnsunshine]

This is so well done! The dialogue was authentic and true to the characters and situation. Will be looking for more content from Alexis G Zall 👍

[@giuliamoscoso665]

I was so excited to watch it, thanks for sharing it with us here!!

[@aimeemartin6424]

I’ve been waiting on this for so long and it was so worth it!! Wonderful job!

[@JasmineOrante]

Wow!! I honestly can’t sit through short films (even though they’re “short) but THIS!! This was worth watching fully omg!!!

[@brittball]

THIS WAS AMAZING!! You captured something so beautiful. I love being gay 🌈

[@vblake530530]

Not gay but l love Love. How this made my heart soar!

[@nuoellaclaire5307]

Hey 👋 wat ur ig handle or snap if u dont mind sharing

[@simone_01]

ALEXIS, THIS WAS AMAZING!!! SO EXCITED FOR MORE TO COME

[@parker6809]

Been watching ur content since 15 tips for 15 years and i've always loved ur content and its been awesome to see ur art grow and Im so extremely excited to see more stuff, this is an awesome short film! killing it out here Alexis fr!! great writing, great shots, great acting, love how gay it is, 10/10

[@allie5748]

That was sooooo fuckinggggg good!!! omg!!! an ad came on in the middle and caught me by surprise cause i was so engulfed in the scene! literally could watch that a thousand times again, unfortunately can’t see it for the first time again tho!

[@martinpierre6110]

ok that's so good. Please make a part 2 !!

[@davak72]

Hey Alexis! Idk if you’ll read this, but I was your like 400th subscriber back in the day and just came across this after years of not keeping up with your videos. This was absolutely incredible! Fantastic work, I’ve rarely been so captivated by a short film. Best wishes!

[@pandisahl8168]

thank you so much for uploading this here!! sml for lukita and alexis

[@kal_xiv]

really good short film alexis! everything is so good, the plot, the pacing, the cinematography, the characters and their chemistry, all *chef's kiss*, i feel well-fed with just a bite lol. i got the whole story and the needed backstory in 11 mins, pretty damn amazing! well-done, looking forward to more of your work! ( hopefully a full movie or even a series in the future 😁)

[@lemoncitronella1726]

this really made me smile thank you for those 11 minutes!!

[@francinejuan5385]

i missed u alexis this is so good omfg im so excited to see more of ur work as a filmmaker!!

[@AirForceKrissy]

This was a really good short to watch! Like wow they really nailed the tension and the chemistry 🧪 I always wanted to experience something like this!

[@mar.morita]

you didn't have the right to make cry 😭😭 i loved it

[@juliaw.9497]

LOVE LOVE LOVE and the maude latour???? 😭 so good Alexis. gonna go blast my "feeling sapphic, going dark" playlist

[@hellothian]

simply perfect. absolutely loved this!

[@imjoeking]

got me kicking giggling twirling my hair omg MAKE IT A MOVIE

[@GaryMaddens]

wow this was really good - well done to the actors and the people behind the scenes!

[@jill9149]

executed one of the most beautiful yearning wlw tension energy to ever. every sapphic hit pause and took a moment every scene and im betting this on my life. please i need the beginning middle and end

[@ellenboyd6243]

Outstanding. Simply a beautiful short film

[@gabriellereeder]

So proud of you, Alexis!

[@neon494]

we needed this, it was amazing thank you actors, alexis everyone involved, cute!

[@hyacinth5156]

THIS WAS GORGEOUS

[@Jaelynne17]

This should be a whole ass series!! Loved it!

[@TheNewPatsyBailey]

That was really cute. Felt authentic, too. I loved it, thanks!

[@vivaglobalrescue7709]

Excited for this new chapter for you!

[@giulianabastos7081]

Oh my god this is so perfect!!! Please make it a feature film ❤️

[@frenzellecabuhat1524]

This was amazing!! Can’t wait for a part 2 maybe…?

[@lexithebesti]

OMGG LUKITA!! i loved her so much in genera+ion! this was so beautifully shot!

[@rasaan2011]

Can't wait to see more of your work, this was amazing!

[@halfblackmagic]

Quality queer content! This is how you tell a goddamn love story.

[@kaykayw347]

I need more of this , thank youu

[@BeIIa8]

Omgg yesss the tension!! Amazing job

[@BlazeNFitness]

“I have a crush one you” “I want you in my life forever” That escalated quickly 😅

[@SnapszDuhh]

Wow. Amazing short film. You could really feel the tension between them👏🏾

[@beverlycureton4098]

We need more of this film, really good. Need an update on their love ❤️. Turn into movie please.

[@rolahalabi5820]

This is fantastic. Great job!!!

[@acchan5552]

this is so amzing! the tension was so intense i loved it

[@facu230]

very nice message at the end!! might as well enjoy it while it is and not worry about the possible future

[@cherrycola542]

Oh yes I love wearing photography, but fr this is actually pretty good! It looks really nice and feels strangely down to earth even though I've never experienced something like this. & The conversations are so like... Good!? Great job! Your future is brighter than my teeth!

[@erdbeerelias]

I really love this film! well written+directed and the actresses were amazing!

[@claran881]

loved it❤ so well written, i felt the complexity of emotions of them reunion

[@mariam-ss8xl]

this was so cute lukita slayed and alexis did so well with them

[@mrpbody7646]

Nicely done Alexis. May there be many many more.

[@raquelmiranda6997]

o script disso aqui é uma obra de arte, parece até poesia, amei cada detalhe! passei 11 minutos com um sorrisão no rosto, é de uma delicadeza sem igual

[@rebecaalvarez9510]

We want more. I love it 🖤!

[@hodayahoteryshai953]

Well this was the most beautiful surprise in my notifications Thank you Alexis💓

[@marird1064]

Ah, really missed your vids

[@cheekynandosss581]

Omg this is so cute 😭😭😭 I would watch a whole series with them

[@amandacrosby3933]

this is awesome im so proud to have been a fan of yours for so long

[@abbygamer66]

my heart feels so warm! beautiful short film ❤

[@WakeyLakey]

omg make a whole ass movie about it- or a freaking show even! Absolutely love this!!!!

[@larissamenezes1790]

this is so beautiful! i love it!

[@clau_lanvi]

That was so incredible!! Lov it!!

[@miwami.]

THIS IS SO CUTEEEE IM GONNA CRY 😭😭😭😭

[@melinamartinez9037]

I was not expecting to like this, no hate to Alexis. But i knew the actors and wow they had amazing chemistry. Props to Alexis for the script and directing. You did a great job, I'll be keeping an eye out for your channel from now on.

[@alejandrasarmiento3317]

Wow, this is good... I love the writing, that script is great

[@dju164]

SO GOODD!! thank you a lot this was beautiful :') also: Lukita Maxwell 😍😍