THE PARTY JOB | Omeleto

A woman shoots a video for a birthday party.
THE PARTY JOB is used with permission from Raechelle Banno. Learn more at / palindromeprd .
Molly is a videographer hired with her co-worker Ben to capture the action at a kid's party. The party is for 11-year-old Kens, thrown by eager but anxious parents Gloria and Chester. But as Molly sets up and tries to figure out what to shoot, she realizes that this party isn't a standard birthday party at all.
But what it is, she can't quite figure out, though she knows things are awkward and tense. It's only when she finally gets to talk to Kens that she realizes exactly what is going on -- and how it's affecting the silent young child at the center of it all.
Directed and written by Raechelle Banno with a deft eye for both droll humor and human vulnerability, this lucid, compassionate short dramedy takes both its tension and comedy from the strange rabbit hole that a relatively grounded presence falls into unsuspectingly. Molly thinks she's entering just another kid's birthday party at first -- there are balloons, refreshments and plenty of guests. The cinematography has a clear, bright sheen to it, capturing this one sunny day fit for a celebration. And yet Molly can tell something isn't right: there are no other kids, for instance. And more importantly, the child that the party is for is a silent, morose presence, even at a party celebrating him.
In this respect, the narrative structure is a bit like a mystery, as Molly tries to figure out what is going on. There are moments of humor on the way, often found in the quirky characterizations of the people she encounters, from her distracted slacker co-worker Ben to Kens' parents, who bring a whole new meaning to the term "helicopter parents." A subtle sense of satire informs the storytelling, sending up the emotional and financial extravagance of modern-day parenting.
But the biting nature of satire is tempered, as Molly's curiosity and growing concern pulls the story forward, and she slowly uncovers just what the party is for. The parents, as it turns out, are celebrating the end of Kens's anxiety. The party, though, seems more for them than for Kens, who has been made to perform the part of a happy, well-adjusted child, though we increasingly realize that he isn't, no matter what the grown-ups around him think.
Actor Karina Banno plays Molly with a watchful presence, whose intelligent curiosity grows as much as her disbelief. But when she finally gets a chance to talk to Kens himself -- played with terrific sensitivity and understatement by young actor Ezekiel Sciacca -- they have perhaps the only genuine human interaction in the film.
But it proves quietly affirming for both, leaving both feeling a little less alone in a strange, sometimes alienating world. And with the film's wisdom and insights into anxiety, it also leaves viewers of THE PARTY JOB feeling a bit more hopeful that compassion and empathy prevail in a world where children living up to others' expectations and assuaging other people's anxieties is more valued than having them feel seen or heard for who they really are.

[@SaxyLament]

I thought the guests were going to be invisible when the mother said they were already there yet we were looking at empty chairs.

[@TomoyoTatar]

I thought so too

[@eugenetswong]

Me, too, and then I thought that maybe she wanted to have a party for pets.@@TomoyoTatar

[@luckied7542]

Ditto!

[@ellasm]

X2

[@kimberlysevastyanenko3798]

Yep. Me, too.

[@pocketsk3824]

I love the ending. The son saying "They're trying." shows how typically anxiety is the result of an increased sensitivity, not only inward but outward, and that underneath all the awkwardness he's soldiering through for them, too. People see anxious behavior as a weakness, but it's very brave to face it for the sake of love, and the parents and the son are trying in their own ways to show their love for each other. The only thing his parents lack in order to give him the same comfort as the videographer is self-awareness. It's a huge relief when people recognize and understand your anxiety. I try to alleviate mine by telling people out loud when I'm feeling anxious. More often than not, people respond to that show of trust with a willingness to show care and consideration. If you're an anxious person. Give it a try.

[@SamWilkinsonn]

but when he said “they’re trying”, it was his shrink that told him that, and he wasn’t certain about that either because he then says “that’s what [shrink] says anyway”

[@paradisa6]

@@SamWilkinsonn That's true, but he did say it while being in an anxious state, which makes it hard to believe any other reality than what your anxiety is feeding you. I think it sounded like he wanted to try and trust what his therapist had said, which in itself is beautiful and shows compassion :)

[@MyMusic-cd3do]

Had me from the magpies. Then not being able to find a park. Then I got anxious that you wouldn't tell me what the party was for, so I just had to keep watching. Then delivered in spades. Achieved what so many movies fail to do. Superbly done.

[@vintagebeliever5023]

He had just one person that understood.. it made all the difference.

[@palindromeproductions810]

Sometimes one person who sees you is all you need 🙏🏻 Thanks for watching!

[@HookBeak_66]

@@palindromeproductions810 Random: If you write 'CHOICE' on paper invert & show it to a mirror it will read the same. Now you had the choice to read this, or not.

[@Jane-yr2cg]

It was very fitting that what started as some heavy duty anxiety blended into a feeling of validation, connection and comfort. For just a few moments, someone completely and absolutely understands how you feel and conveys it to you perfectly. Excellent film. It deserves every award it has received.

[@palindromeproductions810]

Such a kind response! Thank you!

[@DeceasedSpider]

I love how you can see the anxiety in the mother too. It manifests in a completely different way than her kid's but it's still visible

[@maxpayne930]

Simular problem here i have anxiety around other people when i am to long around them i feel emotional exhaustion and it,s only worse as i get older it sucks 👻😱

[@behindmyblueeyes99]

@@maxpayne930yeah, emotional exhaustion is literally the WORST

[@traveler0415]

This really showcases the disconnect a lot of parents have with their children. The parents are so wrapped up in their wants that they are oblivious to their son's real feelings which you can see with his body language. He smiles when he sees the woman behind the camera because he finally had a mutual emotional understanding with someone. Really that was all he needed, but many parents believe they need to throw these excessive shows of materialistic attention of over the top extravagances like large social gatherings, social media post and gifts. Kids just need to feel connected and understood.

[@palindromeproductions810]

Very well worded 👏🏽

[@anonymouslearner2454]

@@palindromeproductions810 ​ I am incredibly grateful for you making this film For about a year now, I have been ruminating about being too anxious I wouldn't be able to explain how much finding someone relatable means to me! Their dialogue showing the similarities and differences in their experience is perfect! I have never felt so understood. cried a lot

[@UnderRugg]

yes

[@joysgirl]

This was almost too painful to watch. I have a grown son who suffers from severe anxiety, I couldn't imagine putiing him through such hell. It was a relief to see this young man find a bit of comfort from the photographer.

[@CosmicSeaChannel]

I live with anxiety since I remember... this one made me cry. We all have coping mechanisms, and that kid is way more mature than he knows.

[@mitchmccarron8337]

That is an Aussie classic :) Beautifully written, acted and filmed. No more or less than what was needed to illustrate that everyone is anxious, and nobody is really alone. Love it !! Mitch from Australia.

[@palindromeproductions810]

Such lovely feedback! Glad you enjoyed the film, Mitch from Australia 🇦🇺

[@vincentdarkrosrayne]

i think it's that everyone gets nervous. anxiety has somehow become a replacement term for the word nervous.

[@anonymouslearner2454]

​@@vincentdarkrosrayne Yeah I do agree I don't think others were suffering the way the photographer and the boy were.

[@MadTeaMarie]

I'm sharing posts this holiday season to give an "I see you, and you're doing beautiful" hug to people who don't always get a hug this time of year for how they're getting through it. Already shared this!

[@natalietowner6780]

Thank you for such a wonderful film. From a fellow anxious mind 😊

[@Caexkepesk]

Not what I expected when I clicked but really a quality piece of art. A+ writing and acting

[@palindromeproductions810]

Love a happy surprise! Appreciate your words 🙏🏻

[@Mis4M007]

What a sweet boy. Great film.

[@neurocosm]

There is always a moment in these short films where you see an emotional person-to-person connection that, no matter the subtly, reassures your belief in humanity.

[@corrinehoward1999]

So nice to see something well written and thoughtful.

[@samir_bapu]

End was absolutely amazing, i liked the smile on her and his face

[@palindromeproductions810]

The smiles of people who see one another… thanks for watching ❤

[@dragonmasterchief]

Isn't she one of the actresses from Second Best (also seen on Omeleto)? Nice to see she's still acting!

[@timmotel5804]

Happy New Year All. Is it OK for a 71 year old man to say; "That was Sweet". Very Cool Video. Excellent production & acting. Thanks to the whole team for a job well done. Best Regards

[@Williamkirk187]

This really resonated with me, I’m learning to live with my anxiety it’s been so many years. Thank you Raechelle and Karina Banno and your crew! this actually made me smile, laugh and cry all in 15 minutes. I will definitely be watching this again and again over Christmas time. You all did a really splendid job on this short film, congratulations!

[@palindromeproductions810]

Thank you for watching - we’re so proud it’s resonated so well ❤

[@Williamkirk187]

@@palindromeproductions810 you should definitely feel proud. The whole story is very well produced and thought through 💛

[@CAMBY608]

i like that for nearly all of the short this made me keep guessing what was going to happen or what it was about…i did learn in the end…thank u for going out of the box & making something so boldly like this!♥️

[@palindromeproductions810]

Love that! Than you for watching and sharing your feedback :)

[@JasonHall-c8x]

This was so good

[@timbrown4737]

Good film ...

[@kaisercarl2307]

The party is not about the boy , it's only his parents want to feel good.

[@gemstar7286]

Well he sees it as them trying .

[@palindromeproductions810]

Hey there, Raechelle & Karina here from Palindrome Productions. We made THE PARTY JOB and are so chuffed with the response so far. Thanks for watching and sharing! Any questions, do send them our way 🤓😏

[@chunkybird1241]

Hi! Thanks for sharing this fabulous film! I wrote a comment just above re the music: was this piece created/chosen intentionally? I ask because I instantly recognised the beat/tempo; it's exactly the same speed at which I tap my fingers or click my tongue when I'm anxious, and hearing it feels strangely soothing. I wonder if this is common and that made you choose the music, or is that a coincidence? Thanks very much for sharing 🤗

[@eugenetswong]

I would really like to know: did you notice that he looked like Benny Hill?

[@TomMarvan]

Wonderful production, thank you! Will we see more soon?

[@bub777]

is "Kens" short for "Kensington"?

[@TomMarvan]

@@bub777 I think it's short for Ken's.

[@tystainfield707]

I really found this helpful to me personally and can share with others who suffer from anxiety. Beautifully observed, Written and acted

[@RobertBennett-k9v]

Very well done.

[@Beading_Kate]

Hm… It feels like a person with anxiety may perceive a world around them - an awkward and unwelcoming place. But in fact everyone is anxious there, they just have coping mechanisms. At least this kid’s parents love him and seem to be genuinely proud of his success.

[@Sunnydaypicnic]

From my perspective the parents are the ones with the problem. Emotionally psychotic and would turn any sane person inside themself.

[@vincentdarkrosrayne]

i don't see how the parents are the problem really. The mother is just over enthusiastic, and the father is socially awkward. the son probably has a similar social awkwardness. but i don't see any toxic parenting traits. @@Sunnydaypicnic

[@nbucwa6621]

I would disagree. Had a similar conversation with a psychiatrist as they were trying to figure out if meds were working well enough for my anxiety disorder. She pointed out that everyone feels stress or worried sometimes, maybe even anxious sometimes, but it's not the same as experiencing actual anxiety (the disorder). Its an important distinction because "Everyone has anxiety, they are just better at coping with it" is why a lot people who need help don't seek it. Wait long enough and Anxiety changes your brain on a chemical level to where it reaches a point where all the coping mechanisms in the world won't help and you need meds to "reset" your brain and bring you down to a normal amount of stress so that you can actually start to lean on normal coping strategies without medication.

[@winifredherman4214]

Someone please tell me this isn’t a thing!!

[@haroldp.sadwood1181]

Wow, that was really good! The characters are all funny and believable, and all the actors do a fantastic job! It hooks you with the intrigue about what on Earth the party is, then hits you with the feels. Good stuff.

[@palindromeproductions810]

Thanks for your thoughtful feedback! 👏🏼

[@kestonsmith1354]

I remember when omoleto was 1million subscribers. Love how the channel has grown tremendously.

[@annarchy1]

Wow what a film, exactly how anxiety feels and also an extreme of how people who don’t have it treat it. Very black mirror. Amazing ❤

[@-Reagan]

I wasn’t going to watch until I read your comment. Anxiety I can relate with.

[@palindromeproductions810]

It means a lot to us that the film has resonated with the audience it was intended for ❤️

[@somecallmetim4490]

This is in no way like black mirror…

[@JaneSchneider-k9q]

Did anyone else think “Molly” reminded them of Emily Blunt? I hope to see more of her. Interesting actor.

[@palindromeproductions810]

“Molly” will take that compliment AND RUN WITH IT. 💁🏼‍♀️

[@naid5533]

he counts backwards, she counts bugs, they throw parties, and I watch short films on youtube

[@palindromeproductions810]

You gotta do what you gotta do! 💁🏼‍♀️

[@chunkybird1241]

My favourite part came right at the end: the music. The beat is exactly the same tempo I tap or click my tongue to when I get anxious - hearing it here is weirdly soothing. Was the music intentional? I ask because I don't know if anyone else finds peace in it/if it's a known thing. Thank you for the fantastic film!

[@KevinJosep7]

As a anxiety person i never thought to watch a short film about this ill, it´s really hard to explain to everyone my feelings, it´s a terrible experience to deal day to day. sometimes i can´t breathe or eating something cause i am feeling i am gonna die, it´s all a challenge to go on living in this world, and the loneliness and sadness are in my mind all the time,

[@Just2gofoods]

I pray you find your person who can say I see you and be there for you. Person doesn’t have to be family- a neighbor, a friend or an IG buddy. Sending you Love and Light❤

[@KevinJosep7]

thanks @@Just2gofoods

[@ghoststarstalk]

❓️

[@MergingSim1234]

Moral of the story: no matter if you are anxious or not, you always have to keep going, you will soon find your destination

[@bambieyedd.]

Idky I thought she was going to bring out teddy bears or a bunch of Ken dolls 😂 I was relieved to see actual people lol

[@TomMarvan]

Kens. Kens dolls.

[@fatihkan2601]

For me it's like I don't have anxiety but anxiety has me. So much related and interesting to encounter this matter first content I clicked on in this channel.

[@Just2gofoods]

Wonderfully delivered film! Loved every second. Congrats🙂

[@ka9811]

I knew this was Australia from the birds chirping at the beginning

[@palindromeproductions810]

Iconic 🐦‍⬛

[@wonderwoman1199]

Beautiful story

[@lynnwins7284]

This made me genuinely smile. I love it

[@pattyoconnell1950s]

My dad’s sister had bulging eyes and I was 10. When she looked at me I would become frozen. My sister was 14 and she handled it differently she would say “Take a picture it will last longer”. I had anxiety and my sister didn’t.

[@1972hermanoben]

He is eventually ‘seen’. Even if for the first and last time. And that could make all the difference. 😊

[@harisdiz.5817]

Ausland peak-time awkwardness... lol... love it.

[@nowistime8070]

I got over my anxiety. there is a method. it takes self accountability and honesty

[@ger658]

That smile in the end! So good!

[@faithsf]

Sometimes being real and act of kindness goes a long way 💞

[@palindromeproductions810]

💯

[@jakubserzynski3991]

Such a lovely short.

[@FrederSeric]

Kinda hard to relate for me because yes sure my parents did awkward things, but since they died I actually prefer enduring even only those awkward things to not seeing them again...

[@TylorJorgensen]

God damn. That's sad but also this movie is supposed to be funny and reading your comment made me sad.

[@SosoGamerChick]

⁠@@TylorJorgensenactually it’s not suppose to be funny it’s suppose to be heartwarming over the fact that a child is suffering and he found someone to relate to about a shared mental illness. It’s also about the facts of anxiety and that it’s not something you can just get over.

[@teedee643]

I also dont think its a mental illness. The things we face…are beyond anyone to always be “calm” in.

[@FrederSeric]

Well it made me sad too and thanks for taking my "random stranger comment" serious enough to feel emotions. I just want to help people not do the mistakes i made as i was pretty ungrateful for my parents myself and now they are gone and i suffer from never being grateful to them. If that makes you sad for the moment it's a small price to pay for not being eternally haunted for being a lousy kid... Of course not everyone is the same and hopefully I'm not causing other problems but I really tried to choose words that would also not cause suicide and make you for your own sake respect your parents while you still can.

[@delisamarchetti5926]

Awesome movie! Really really well done. It was so thought provoking and you handled the subject with so much dignity. I walked away from the film feeling it isn't the absence of fear that makes a person brave but their ability to learn unique ways to endure it.

[@palindromeproductions810]

We so appreciate your thoughtful response to the film! Glad we got the message across! ❤

[@Kibbletyts242]

This was beautiful. great job!

[@rullvox5912]

The scenes during the credits roll was the most enjoyable part of this...😎

[@MisterG2323]

You just knew at the end that he was going to look up and it took forever but then he did and everything was perfect. What a superb short, beautifully written, directed, acted, shot, the whole nine yards Major kudos, props, whatever. Thanks!

[@palindromeproductions810]

Thank you so much! Means a lot 🤗

[@chisomokayuni8078]

Anxie-tea anyone 😂😂😂

[@tantricsarcasm9133]

Awesome! I see it's written and directed by Raechelle Banno and starring her sister Karina. They were both fantastic in "Second Best", another short film on Omeleto - well worth a watch if you haven't seen it. Thanks (as always) for sharing these films.

[@palindromeproductions810]

Second Best is THE gem to watch! Omeleto has quite the family of films 😏

[@mikegibbons2889]

You know who helps me with my anxiety? Let me tell you a short story. I had been flying around to visit friends and relatives, never flown this much in such a short period of time, and on my second to last flight I had to get on a puddle jumper from Milwaukee to Chicago. Well, I was boarded about 30 min before takeoff. I looked into the cockpit and saw what looked to be a 15 yr old pilot and started amusing myself that I think I was on The Buddy Holly Express Airlines. Well that thinking led to me having my first ever full blown anxiety attack. Everything started closing in on me and I told myself there was no way I was going to make it to takeoff without publicly freaking out, I had to get off......I didnt want to embarass myself so I asked The Lord straight away....."Can you help calm me Lord"? And without thinking or making any other adjustments I became perfectly calm...in an instance. The Lord listened...The Lord provided peace from within in a nano-second. It was not only my first full blown anxiety attack, it was the first time I realized without a doubt The Good Lord is watching over us.....because if He is watching over me, he is watching over you as well.

[@PooperScooperTrooper]

I love the lead actress, she's quite a beaut!

[@kaT-ori]

great actors! i loved it and felt sorry for Kens from the beginning. and then was so relieved there was someone for him to relate to!

[@palindromeproductions810]

We got very lucky with our incredible cast. Thanks for your comment! 🙏🏻

[@vasculogenesis]

Amazing! Love it! So well made and acted!

[@palindromeproductions810]

Appreciate it!! Thanks for watching 👏🏼

[@darrellowings2343]

Sweet and hopeful. Let's keep that up.

[@NikolasUnique]

Well, ya, the only critical feedback I felt compelled to give is that the vocal audio for the people talking can be turned up; otherwise what a quirky wholesome film. I like that it didn't devolve into something awful. congratz on working to create this...a lot of work no doubt!

[@jwsmith4081]

Excellent work!

[@robertgiles9124]

I got anxiety from wondering how much worse this pointless exercise was going to get.

[@katiek3396]

I dont really get why the girl was so butt hurt about the party. Unless someones getting slaughtered, or being hurt in someway who cares what kinda party it is you got hired as in getting PAID to do. Her reaction is almost stranger than an anxiety party 😅😂

[@pauljamhouri2499]

Great movie, great cast, great directing =) Good job!

[@palindromeproductions810]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@shekharchowdhary]

I liked him. Very nice

[@ladyg7796]

We can’t pick our parents… at least they were loving people. Cute story with a nice ending. Thank you!

[@nehuenortolani3394]

Amazing work!

[@bibolehabib]

Karinna Banno is everything !!!

[@blessed9491]

Beautiful film ❤

[@suha2408]

I LOVED THIS!! Relatable.

[@nikytamayo]

This was a lovely little piece.

[@lovelife2day]

Anxitea anyone.......Chester lmao

[@palindromeproductions810]

A real crowd pleaser 😅 👏🏼

[@dandeliondreamer3365]

Aww…surprisingly touching…great job ❤

[@palindromeproductions810]

Thank you!

[@mllenoire]

That sparked a smile from my heart

[@iektaaaa]

Good one. Loved it

[@Not_You_2]

Anxiety was when the caveman would go out to hunt for food and have to worry about being eaten himself. Today, its worrying about how many likes you get on social media.

[@user-fy7ru4ii1i]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, a "professional" videographer (especially when recording in "4K", as the POV shot suggests), is going to use the puny 2-3" monitor attached to the camera. You'd use SDI or HDMI with an external LCD monitor. A shoulder mount DSLR without a zoom toggle? And at 26% battery?? Why isn't the battery full? (and I don't see a microphone attached to the DSLR...that audio quality is going to be horrible (with wind gusts etc).

[@TinaStone-x5d]

Cutest ending.

[@geoben9801]

Try having a little emotional intelligence and some empathy. It's what used to be called the Golden Rule; Do unto others as you would have others do unto you..

[@lyziemeowmeowmeow9787]

Adorbs!

[@micknordstrom2591]

That was absolutely beautiful!!!

[@palindromeproductions810]

So glad you enjoyed it 🎉

[@thewisesound247]

bro Im gonna claim copyright this is my childhood story

[@jamicarman915]

Gave me happy chills

[@eugenetswong]

Director, thank you for casting Benny Hill! 3:12 😛

[@LouisLadd-oh2sl]

Thanks for this Amazing Video.💖💖💖

[@SNSISNSJISEJSJS]

Its nice that there is good people 😊

[@helenstewart4050]

Oh to be human .

[@kestrelfeather]

Great film! I wish there would have been more volume as it was hard to hear. I'd rather have to turn it down than not having enough volume to hear what people are saying. Anyhow, I enjoyed the video and would recommend watching it.

[@ChrisDaubitz]

Molly is cool actress.

[@shriya6789]

Omeleto makes me see things, monotony had made me unsee

[@oonabot]

Ow my heart, this was such a sweet movie

[@palindromeproductions810]

Thank you ❤

[@marita2007aus]

living with crazy parents wouldn't help

[@jamesware9915]

Awesome 👌. Congratulations 🎉

[@FLScrabbler]

"Ant wrangler".!? 😂

[@palindromeproductions810]

A very important crew role! 🙃

[@FLScrabbler]

@@palindromeproductions810 I guess it must be. Probably hard to come by! Then again Hollywood probably has lots of anything needed in the movie industry... 😅

[@Unknown4935]

Im halfway through and this film is giving me anxiety (pun intended). Very good film how it makes the viewer feel how poor Kinz probably does.

[@ChaseVollenweider]

So good!

[@palindromeproductions810]

Thank you for your ever-present support!

[@EmceePandeyAnchor]

Oh, this is a gem! An absolute gem!

[@palindromeproductions810]

YOU’RE A GEM! 🤗 Thank you for watching!

[@000aleph]

Anxiety, the great life batterer