Swipe NYC is a great short dramedy that shows that just because the kids have moved out and you are single doesn’t mean your life is suddenly over—a delightful and empowering film by Sue Zarco Kramer.
Newly divorced, empty-nester Syd (Lisa Edelstein) navigates the world of online dating. Each date serves as a metaphor for reclaiming her life and empowerment—a deep lens into single-hood, with Brownstone Brooklyn serving as the backdrop.
There is always that thought, unfortunately, amplified in film and TV, that once the kids have moved on to university or are just out of the house, the parents just sit there and wither until they are of use as grandparents or something nonsensical like that. But what if a parent (a single one at that) wanted to get out into the world and live her life again? This is where Sue Zarco Kramers Swipe NYC comes in, giving us a wonderful glance at the misadventure of a singleton in Brooklyn.
One of the things mentioned in the synopsis is that each date becomes a metaphor for Syd to reclaim her life. You see that on screen as Edelstein’s Syd increasingly becomes more confident with herself and the situations, she finds herself in. Be it how she begins to communicate with those dates or her barman or how her body language actively changes, you sense a positive shift in her. A small detail, sure, but a telling one that shows how far she has come as the unsure woman we started the film with.
What is also refreshing in Swipe NYC is that Syd is not just swiping on the same type of men, those who are her own age etc. She is mixing it up; whether it is far younger men or women, she is open to all possibilities. Usually, in these types of films, you get a standard grouping until she eventually lands herself with someone. Here, that really isn’t the case, and it’s what keeps you actively engaged with the film. We want to keep seeing these people she meets with, whether they be utter weirdos who love to smell her pheromones or a woman who wants to get that awkward kiss out of the way right off the bat. You find yourself easily invested in the story, which is a testament to the strength of the story and the performance of Lisa Edelstein.
If you are after a light dramedy with a strong message of empowerment for women, then Swipe NYC will certainly be your jam. A short that could have easily crossed over into feature territory due to its premise alone. Edelstein is great here, and your only disappointment is honestly when you realise it is finishing up due to its ease and swift pace. Not a short to miss out on some solid entertainment.
★★★★
The 19th HollyShorts Film Festival is running between 10th – 20th August with in person and digital screenings available throughout.
For more information go to www.hollyshorts.com
Coverage of Hollyshorts Film Festival 2023:
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