WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY AGAIN | Omeleto

A runaway teenager encounters an arcade game.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY AGAIN is used with permission from Michael Felker. Learn more at lastlifefilms.com.
Young teenager Jennifer is running away from home when she gets a phone call from her sister. Furious, she tosses her phone away, ignoring the call as she heads into a nearby arcade for refuge.
In the arcade, Jennifer finds herself gravitating towards a special section of especially old games. One game, unmarked, unplugged and especially beat-up, catches her eyes. Though it's unplugged, its screen lights up and invites her to play. Which Jennifer does -- and which takes her on a journey into the knottiest, most emotional parts of her psyche.
Writer-director Michael Felker's short has a sci-fi premise, but at heart, it is a drama about regret, love and the fervent desire to revisit our mistakes and re-do the actions and words that we wish we could take back.
Though there are a smattering of special effects, arcade-style 8-bit animation and a narrative structure that takes advantage of sci-fi genre tropes to explore its central themes and ideas, the storytelling at heart is focused and even almost minimal, with pared-down dialogue and settings. The visual approach of the film is clean and precise, taking care to repeat each "loop" with similar camerawork while working in variations that build off what happened before, showing subtle progressions and embedding clues with each turn.
The structure of the plot, of course, takes full advantage of the loops and stages inherent to gaming storytelling, and here they allow Jennifer to revisit the emotional trauma at the core of her conflict. Actor Kate Buatti is able to work through each reiteration of the loop, emotionally anchoring the audience and also developing the character with each turn. Each time reveals more information about what happened between Jennifer and her sister, heightening audience interest and building the character's arc gradually as Jennifer learns to face herself and grapple with her mistakes. And when she finally levels up, she is able to achieve a catharsis that is genuinely emotional and well-earned.
Like many of the genre's most enduring stories, WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY AGAIN uses the ideas and concerns of science fiction to explore the thorniest, most confusing nooks and crannies of emotion, and helps us achieve a deeper understanding of just what it means to be human. Ingeniously grafting the repetitions inherent to gaming into the story of one teenage girl's emotional evolution, it actually offers a model on self-reflection, as we peel back layers upon layers of defensiveness, anger, rationalization and more -- until we are finally able to be vulnerable, open and truthful with ourselves, and then with others.

[@lastlifefilms7980]

Hey everyone! We made this film! Thank you so much for watching! It really means a lot to see our short engage with such an incredible audience here. Feel free to ask any questions you have about the film!

[@cosyqacha8356]

Can u explain it to me pls

[@jshelton100]

This could easily become a series on ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. 👏👏👏

[@RHKhan86]

Is it a real story or do U have regrets like most of Us?

[@R.Williams]

Wonderful touching film! I wish we could start again after a big mistake like a video game. However many mistakes or misunderstandings can be rectified if we're willing to try. Thanks for a beautiful movie. 👍❤️ (Looks like my state of AZ or maybe Las Vegas!)

[@lastlifefilms7980]

@@R.Williams Thank you so much! Wonderful read of the film. We shot it all in the Palm Springs area of SoCal.

[@youneverknowthetoptilyouge4397]

This was actually a really interesting concept to me. I am sure everyone replays their greatest regrets over in their heads, trying to find out what we could have done differently. What I liked about this short was how the high score lead to the girl actually making a difference in her life. She chose to go back to her family and be there for her sister. That was a really sweet film!

[@costleyceloy7196]

Man, I myself realy hate thinking about the things I did that I regret...It makes me EXPLODE!! It makes me feel embarrassed..this actualy touched me..

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

Me, too. I have so many regrets. But time moves forward, there's nothing we can do about it. The best we can do right now is to learn from our mistakes and try hard not to repeat them. Experience is the best teacher.

[@ericferrier1089]

Learning from ours & others Mistakes, trying hard not to repeat them is WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW, lol ;) lol

[@leaiga-riverhills7674]

Same

[@baby_ni_joonie994]

This was amazing. I shed a tear at the end. It wasn't too late.

[@Squicx]

Arcades need to make a full return for the 2020s...

[@a.f5388]

Not with the corna virus🤣

[@Squicx]

@@a.f5388 I mean in general. After I guess

[@yuritarded5245]

Splendid yes?

[@Squicx]

@Splendid Oh god your one of those....

[@FreakyAlienGenotype]

@Splendid Lmao

[@25Pignite]

This gives me Black Mirror vibes

[@AshNJunipero]

Definitely got some San junperio vibes

[@Cjmboo]

That’s what I said I look at their videos like black mirror

[@asianbro51]

Anybody watch Parasite..Crazy man goes to hospital to help fix his daughter..daughter never existed and he went to hospital for car accident.the music reminds me of this

[@rosegold973]

Yesssss I love black mirror! 😃

[@magixnation1413]

@@asianbro51 what's the movie name?

[@Squicx]

This gave off one of the coolest "distant 80s" feel to date. Well done to the guys who made this

[@Squicx]

@Haseeb 2 ye

[@retrovoltarcade]

@Haseeb 2 Genesis model 2 came out in 1988.

[@rtharmon454]

She's obviously never played a game before You slap all the buttons until something happens

[@meganjones5836]

so true

[@JustIn-sr1xe]

Wait... so, how do you mortal kombat, tekken & doa then? Cos, that's the only way I know how.

[@BlackGekikara]

Touching.... If only this game existed for real 😔

[@eliasziad7864]

shut up...

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

This is so sad. They're left alone with no parents. They must be very scared and confused. I can't even imagine what they're going through.

[@frahohen]

10 minutes, nearly no words spoken and I still could not hold back my emotions. 10 out of 10.

[@VieraXXII]

There are many situations in my life I would like to try again. Nice concept and mini film.

[@universesheepy]

I know this is probably gonna sound rude or something but I thought the sister was the mom for a quick second

[@janet7018]

I did the whole thing I only realized at the end 😂

[@jofx4051]

And anyone will surprized that the mom and voice of mom has different actors 😂

[@adriafro7321]

When you recognize the sound of the dinosaur from google XD.

[@louie9018]

The google T-Rex doesn’t make any sounds

[@carshredderromania]

When you recognize the sounds of walking in Half Life 1 at 9:02

[@adriafro7321]

@@louie9018 yes when jumping and hitting i think 100 points every time.And when you die.

[@ACT1O1]

Yee......

[@yoongistan1042]

now that I think about it ...

[@TheTektronik]

At the end of the day, all we can do is move forward. Another great short film.

[@earth2gisela]

period

[@crisco362]

Wreck it Ralph and this made me feel a very real sadness that arcades are a thing of the past.

[@ajl2232]

It made me emotional and brought tears to my eyes. It actually reminded me of somethings I went through as a child.

[@james5460]

This is a great example of why you should never judge a role on how many lines of dialog it has. Jack Elam said he turned down a role in "Shane" because he only would have had a few lines, it was his biggest regret.

[@use100ame]

Well, there's a quick tearjerker...

[@Me-th3gj]

This was simply amazing. I take it that the regret had just happened before she found the arcade.

[@demi2264]

yes and my biggest regret would be not studying

[@tshwanedaynightrides173]

*"Would you like to try again?"* This is so profound

[@JessAyu]

Is this sisters left by their mom and the older sister having a hard time raising her younger sister.......socthe older sister kept replying to their mom last voice message whenever she needs assurance... I think...

[@marylevin9262]

mom just died - she needs help from her sister to deal with it and plays voicemail becuz she is trying to process her mom's death

[@tjtimo]

well im guessing the mom died in a car crash shortly after that message, i get that she died from the fact that she needs a wake as the older sister stated.

[@aragontwinkll1107]

@nfalvv im sry hold on its a hard life

[@aragontwinkll1107]

Ye their mom died and the life is compared with a video game cause in life u cant put a quarter to restart it u got to do the right thing

[@DiscoPrysm]

@@aragontwinkll1107 I think a strong point is that no matter how much we wish we did something different in that moment it is never too late to make amends. People who love you will forgive you.

[@durasaxon5131]

The Game slowed her down to reflect on what is important. *'You Win'* *GAME OVER*

[@ChandaMijaAuthentic]

Purpose of life is not to win and stay alive,

[@pawelk2740]

well, Black Mirror is a good inspiration. I was hoping for some kind of thriller, but that was heart touching

[@yeptarcoyote]

This reminded me of one of the Regular Show episodes where Morticai and Rigby found the arcade games at the park and fixed the game Skips told them not to do. ~gets to the end~ dang there's a lot of heart in this mini movie. I do hope to see more from the makers.

[@reb9977]

reminds me of me after killing toriel in undertale and then resetting.

[@nathanflores1974]

S a m e

[@DaveKraft1]

Absolutely brilliant, and extremely well acted! Great performance, ladies!!

[@bigyoshi7134]

Now we know what Polybius was.

[@anukriti7511]

We do?

[@jofx4051]

U mean like deep trance happening when you do something so intense?

[@tanrose8645]

Well, this hit "home" for me~ Well done! 👏👏👏🌹 (My mum died last year; 😔💙 All I wanted to do was 'run away'~ but I am the older sister (who was living with her) and my younger sister lives back home in another province... I'm still struggling with 'loose ends' and being heartbroken NEVER goes away...) Stay 'safe' everyone❣Blessed be~🌜

[@thebasicbeauty3051]

Take care of yourself. I pray that you find peace.❤

[@cintyawardanidjayaputra4899]

Stay strong, you're amazing❤

[@ChandaMijaAuthentic]

What about the military? They any help to you or they a joke on homeland too?

[@tanrose8645]

@@ChandaMijaAuthentic 🤔What's your comment in relation to: MY comment or the film itself?? Have a blessed weekend❣️ Blessed be~🌛🌹🌜

[@aethellstan]

I can't believe you actually made tears well up. Very nicely acted and well written. Well done.

[@lastlifefilms7980]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ryheisha2796]

The game giving her an opportunity to do it all over again is so touching. The well done at the end also heart warming.

[@copperjaguar]

oh wow the main character and the mom are actually related

[@bluesun4682]

Wow that was the first short film to ever tear me up, well done!

[@slyder2k6]

Soooo many things i would "like to try again" :(

[@ahmadyogi1340]

Same here :(

[@amaragracee]

I would like to try having a dog again.

[@TheBlaqSpiderman]

She inserted a coin into a broken machine and wondered why it wasnt doing anything😂 2:32

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

IKR?! She literally just saw that the power cord is unplugged.

[@jofx4051]

Yeah

[@basskitty3942]

I lost my grandfather 2 weeks ago...I related to playing the voice back....a lot. The sound of their voices when they're gone is so painful sweet to hear ❤

[@docfmb1]

Best one yet, thank you

[@tdbarashi]

Very emotional, I liked the gimmick and the transitions were pretty good from real to virtual :)

[@jadedmonk7001]

Excellent and one of your best shorts imo. A gratifying story that reminds us of the importance of 2nd chances

[@savednorwegian]

You don't simply run away from cause of your mom died. Runaways run away cause of abuse, evil and/or insane parents

[@ChandaMijaAuthentic]

And lack of good doctors. Lmfao

[@chonamariedingal1221]

The thumbnail got me , I thought that lad was the girl from stranger things 😂 Max!

[@cricketmonday1469]

Such a great job, Mike. "That's not how she raised us" got me deeply.

[@potpie5417]

Just incredible. So well done.

[@Jessica-dr4wf]

Such a powerful message.

[@ultranate8618]

Great film. You should never run away from your problems because they follow you where ever you run to. Thanks this was a nice story.

[@melonypanda3571]

That was so touching. I was so afraid that it was gonna be too late and something had happened.

[@Lilduracell]

I love the way you did the credits

[@milkcartonmagic6316]

Well.....that worked. Well done and deserved more than a thumbs up!!!

[@A.M607]

That game worked better than therapy

[@joejackson669]

I ONLY WATCH YOUR CHANNEL for ANYYY type of entertainement

[@randomland2775]

Interesting. Stuff like arcades are a way for us to escape. But in this case, it was used as a way of helping. These short films are so breathtaking to watch.

[@SuperWittleGuy]

I must say.. Well done! Def invoked emotion in me while watching. Nicely acted also.

[@Anonymous589x]

This was awesome. Hope there was something like this in real life

[@davidking4838]

Excellent, watched it then watched it again.

[@kaly_ths_291]

At first I thought: "She's a fricking teenager! What would she possibly have feelings of regret about?"

[@signasmilk]

Really cool concept for a film

[@MargueriteFairProductions]

A wonderful message. Good film.

[@joer2237]

top 10 strongest anime heros, number 1. arcade machine

[@albertchehade9916]

Still love this episode..... Wish we could give it a thumbs up on every occasion it is watched....right?

[@jofx4051]

Officer be: *Oh no, I think I gonna go now*

[@Void0420]

Thanks for this ❤️

[@bakegirl164]

regrets? Onward plough! mush! mush!

[@tanksinatra3968]

Fun to watch makes me feel refreshed for I can not try again

[@james-ww3ot]

Very well done!

[@forgottenson3411]

*Your videos are beautiful!* ❤️

[@BoRice82]

Very moving. I was looking for horror. Lls. Great job again Omeleto

[@jmagayle]

Great film!

[@JustKeshiaaaa]

She left the voicemail on my birthday. Damn.

[@jolliebearforchrist5468]

GREAT FILM! REALLY GREAT!

[@realthoc]

how she cracked her thumb 3 times in a row. thats crazy. great story though.

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

I can crack my middle and index finger both at the same time, multiple times in a row. Crack.. crack.. crack.. crack.. crack... Again and again and again. I think it's genetic.

[@realthoc]

@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 thats crazy. thats a superpower.

[@shinybrain9975]

I can crack my wrist for forever

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

@@realthoc More like useless power. LOL

[@vaishalichandwani13]

I can crack my all toes, again and again and again.

[@MMaria77777]

beautiful

[@theophanesantoniou8539]

the absolute emotion arcade game. we are are living in the early 80s but in a different universe...

[@tietjen666]

I carry my Deepest Regrets Playback Device around with me. I play it through daily.

[@dukenecromancer245]

*she's completely silent until the end when the first words spoken are "whatever you need." **8:22*

[@quitlife9279]

So that's what shes saying? Couldn't understand a thing.

[@macheadg5er]

@@quitlife9279 i couldn't either i actually scanned the comments hoping someone would post what she says lol

[@rachelyouremyhero]

Man would be a great superhero movie origin

[@icerichie1182]

Ain't gonna lie this was kinda creepy

[@DiscordMistake]

this video is ten minutes long its hasn't even been up for that long tf do you mean?

[@caveira8065]

@@DiscordMistake you idiot he is saying it's creepy

[@cahidijoyoraharjo7833]

@@caveira8065 Maybe there's a language barrier here. Maybe @Discord Mistake thinks creepy means long.

[@icerichie1182]

Damnn bro

[@rb5959]

Well done. Sometimes all we really need to do is try again.

[@xcoder1122]

The movie is the classical "What if ..." movie, where you can see how things would have played out when you had acted in a different way. Yet instead of ghosts, time travel, parallel universes, it uses an arcade machine and turns everything into a game, that can keep on playing until you found a better solution. A pretty cool concept that probably would also work in a bigger format: a full length movie, a TV show, a streaming series, even a video game itself.

[@rajhenry8863]

Powerful and Emotional story 😢!! Unfortunately in life there are no do overs and we can't press rewind 😢 I Wish I Could!!!!!!

[@FH-hm3du]

the cop at the end tho looks so disappointed when they hug

[@ArtOfLiz]

This has the potential to be an episodic television series.

[@Noodle.in.oodles]

Shouldn’t that cop have been like “uhhh is this her?” Literally could have been anyone lol

[@ericferrier1089]

Well Done, Believes the Message Was More Than Clear.

[@reneebrady8389]

Heartbreaklingly beautiful! Those young ladies are fantastic actresses, what an outstanding short! Thank you for sharing!

[@howardtanner386]

I cant focus, this girl is such a beauty

[@daliasarkar4310]

Right

[@ajl2232]

She kind of looks like Hailee Steinfield.

[@AntonioBourge]

great film cheers to good cinema :D

[@auraoptics]

I wanna try again in so many situations.

[@MisterG2323]

Once again Omeleto scores with a winner!

[@tobiascuda489]

the last starfighter but sad

[@ricardosanchezleong537]

Thank you... thank you very much

[@jofx4051]

Only just if we can load the save button... Unfortunately there is no such in real life... I hope anyone thinking before making decisions that would make they regret themselves later

[@mishie618]

We don’t all get second chances. Don’t throw away what love you have in front of you that needs you.

[@SirImran]

Beautiful content

[@topformfitness]

Must be dry in here... my eyes are getting all watery

[@RavenWoodsDE]

AGAIN with the onions! ò.ô who cuts them at a time like this..?! =.= makes the eyes all wet..

[@ladyg7796]

My siblings and I are much older and my father orphaned us a few years ago. My functional, but mentally ill sister, being older, was left in charge. It was clear, my father was the anchor, and needless to say, everything quickly went sideways, and we all scattered to the four winds. The people that matter to me know how I feel about them. I have no regrets.

[@user-uf8gz3ft8z]

I know they're not, but they looked like real sisters!

[@melisasandoval2761]

shot in Palm Springs right?

[@retrovoltarcade]

and Calimesa :)