Forcing Function (2018)

Five 20-somethings, a sister, a couple of romantic interests and friends, and a dad journal their day-to-day lives and hurdles through playful, honest, funny, and supportive conversation. The support, though, is sometimes veiled by banter. Jonathan is in cautious romantic pursuit of a coworker, hindered by a confidence shortfall he tries to bridge with an artificial "forcing function." Trevor is saddled with an imposing intellect; Nate with a heaviness that brings him panicked, depressed, antisocial tendencies. Andy and Laurie deal with their own impressionable loss, and their father holds and withholds the key. Resulting struggles - hindrances and failures - with personal relationship and interactions present hysterically, and with reflection and concern about adaptation. Allison and Jill have their own bouts with self-honesty, and with Dave, Allison makes an unknowing contribution to the closure owed Andy and Laurie. And Jill and Jonathan ultimately find the bridge to Jonathan's confidence, following stupid with smart. In the end, "Forcing Function" is a glimpse into our humanity, and a commentary about our problems and their solutions often residing in ourselves.