UNDER THE LIGHTS | Omeleto
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- čas přidán 30. 12. 2023
- A teenager with epilepsy goes to prom.
UNDER THE LIGHTS is used with permission from Miles Levin. Learn more at seedandspark.com/fund/underth....
Molly is a teenage girl crying in the bathroom on the night of prom. In the next stall over, she discovers a boy lying in the stall, wearing a helmet. He exhibits weird, erratic behavior, and Molly thinks he's just a drunk kid. But he's hurt, with a dislocated shoulder, ramming his shoulder back in place and begging Molly not to call an ambulance for his injuries.
Instead, he asks Molly to talk to his date and let her know he's coming for the dance she's saving for him. Eventually, the two learn the different stories that led them to the bathroom: Molly's boyfriend was making out with another boy at the dance, and Sam has epilepsy but was determined to attend prom like a normal kid, even though the lights would trigger a seizure. Together they console and comfort one another.
Directed and written by Miles Levin, this empathetic, solidly well-crafted short drama captures the impact of epilepsy on a young teenage boy's life, cutting him off from normal experiences. While it portrays a nuanced, layered portrayal of how seizures happen, the primary insight is how those living with epilepsy have to navigate the world with wariness, fear and guilt, as well as frustration that they're missing out on experiences that many of us take for granted.
In some ways, the storytelling takes the "meet cute" structure of a romance and subverts it, deepening the emotion and depth to become a multi-layered portrait of struggle, compassion and connection that's rendered with visuals that can oscillate between stark and gritty to impressionistic and hazy, depending on the emotional temperature of the moment.
Sam and Molly meet in a bathroom in different reactive states of crisis, and at first, both misunderstand and conflict with one another. But through dialogue and a few flashbacks, viewers and Molly get a fuller picture of Sam's situation, as well as a deeper understanding of just why he'd risk putting himself in harm's way just to have one normal teenage experience.
As Molly and Sam, actors Pearce Joza and Alyssa Jirrels convey the intensity of feeling and believable awkwardness of teenagers navigating strange situations and feelings. Joza's portrayal of epilepsy is admirably specific, but it's the feelings of frustration, shame and vulnerability that he taps into that truly bring out Molly's compassion and understanding. Those are feelings that anyone can understand and share, which makes her gesture at the end all the more tender and heartwarming.
Many viewers likely only think of seizures as dramatic, almost scary events of out-of-control physicality, which is often how epilepsy has been betrayed cinematically. But UNDER THE LIGHTS -- inspired by the director's own experiences with epilepsy -- was made partly in response to this portrayal, aiming to show seizures with more nuance and evoking the emotional toll of epilepsy on those living with it. Despite its specificity, it achieves a powerful universality in its feeling: a yearning for normalcy and experience, a desire to connect and a wish for someone to simply be there when we are most in danger of feeling utterly alone. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
"I just want to be normal" was so heartbreaking to me. It was so relatable. Being epileptic is a horrible thing. But at least I'm fortunate enough to not be photosensitive. I can't even begin to understand how soulcrushing that would be
Great depth. This fantastically addresses both sides: the mother who just wants to protect her child, and her child, who wants the freedom to be normal. Really well done. Congratulations. More, please.
Thank you!
Thank you! We are making the feature, I believe that link is in the description above! We need support!
I feel for the guy and the young girl with her broken heart but i also feel for the mum wanting to wrap him in cotton wool.
Thank you!
This was seriously a very touching film. As someone who's been epileptic since 2020 (still in my 20s at the time of this comment), I can relate very well to wanting to feel normal without being afraid of something that could potentially hurt you or kill you.
While my epilepsy isn't photosensitive and never had seizures triggered by any (so far), I still have this nervousness around flashing/strobe lights and it's hard living with that notion each day, and the knowledge of what I can and can't do. Even when I went on my first solo vacation to Walt Disney World alone for the first time in October '23, it was disappointing realizing that some of the newer rides the parks had weren't safe for me (I was advised by my doctor not to do things that make my head move around a lot, like riding roller coasters, which I used to do a lot).
The cast and crew really did an amazing job with this film.
Thank you, same same, that's why I made it :)
This was cute. The world needs a rom com starring these two
They’re actually trying to make this into a full movie. I went to Miles Levin on CZcams, he’s the one making it I believe. They just posted a video a few days ago. They really should pin a comment so more people know.
Very kind, thank you.
This is a great film to begin the new year. It’s full of hope and compassion.
Outstanding acting by both actors!!😀
I was incredibly impressed by the performance of the two main actors. The guy's performance was more noticeable because he showed more intense emotions than the girl, and I was impressed by how he managed to successfully convey despair about his situation. As for the girl, I really liked how she portrayed her surprise when the guy tried fixing his shoulder. The startled reaction felt authentic.
longest 3 mins. ever, and the ambulance never did make it..and they ended up getting married w/6 kids!♥️
I saw they’re trying to make it a full length film, maybe it will come in that version? Haha or, we’ll at least get to see the 6 kids.
Both of these actors we're amazing. This is one of the best short films I've ever seen.
Thank you!
This is only one type of epilepsy though. It's called photosensitive epilepsy (epilepsy triggered by flashing lights) and it accounts for about 3 percent of epilepsy sufferers in total. Meaning that most people with epilepsy overwhelmingly don't have this type of epilepsy. I have epilepsy, and get these kinds of seizures, but my triggers are A) too much alcohol and B) Not enough sleep/rest and C) Not enough nutrients and D) missing my medication and E) getting sick with something else like the flu and still going to work and trying to do too much all at once. Lights like these can sometimes, not all the time, trigger a migraine, but not a full on seizure.
But photosensitive epilepsy is the type of epilepsy, which, while it only accounts for 3% of people with epilepsy, it gets the most attention from the public and people in the media. So all the time, when someone finds out I have epilepsy, they say, "Oh, can you really go out to (Insert place here), wouldn't the lights be too triggering for you?" Or, "Can you do a job with those kinds of scanners, wouldn't the red light set you off?" Or, "Perhaps we shouldn't go out to (place) or watch (x) on TV, there's going to be a lot of bright lights."
Incredibly intense. To just be like anyone else, just for once.
Thanks for watching!
Oh I cried..I have been taking medicine for seizures since I was 9 years old. "I just want to be normal"..yeah...
❤
Heartbreaking and touching. Based on a true story? My son’s prom date suffered from grand mal seizures. She also wore a crash helmet when things were rough. She was in the hospital on prom night and he was home. Fortunately, she was okay.
I believe the writer Miles Levin has epilepsy from what I’ve seen. He’s trying to turn this into a full length movie and has his own CZcams page that talks about the making of this short film and stuff. It was interesting to learn more.
Louder for the people in the back!@@Sara-xk1ns
Drawn from my life, yes. I am not photosensitive but it's drawn from my feelings about my epilepsy, and of course, my mom.
Loved this 2 people in dire needs come together ❤️
Thank you!
To be honest, this film almost made me cry because how relatable this film is, I have ASD and the feeling to be normal is what we strive for honestly. I love this film so much and I heard that it would turn into a feature if it has some support in there. LET’S DO IT!!!!
i hate my seizures. it is my least favorite word. everyone around me is privileged and don't even notice it. it's ridiculous because they will complain about driving yet I'm embarrassed to even admit that i legally can't drive. and some may say that I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, but to me it is a mountain.
having seizures in public, fresh out the shower naked or at work really affects relationships with the people around you.
Beautiful and sad…well done… happy new year ❤
Happy New Year! 🎉
I got chills at the end; such a touching story!
And as always, thanks! ~ Amy ❤
Thank you! We are making the feature, I believe that link is in the description above! We need support!
@@mileslevin8754 Excellent news! I don't see a link, but maybe you can help me with that...
@@mileslevin8754 Never mind darlin, I found it! 🎉
Honestly, if you see someone laying on the floor in a bathroom stall, your first reaction SHOULD NOT involve anything to do with whether it's the correct bathroom!
Helping should be the first reaction, not the second...
It's showing reality
We are all learning
What a wonderful short. The actors were incredible and I loved the storyline.
Thank you!
Looks like it was really good. I would know for sure if I could have heard/understood all the dialogue. No closed captions available.
😭😭😭man u just said what I was thinking
Shame it didn't have subtitles, other than that, nice film
Wow powerful and sweet, with a 17 year old son with ASD this hits close to home…really hard,.
jfc, dude. that alarm right at the beginning was heinous
Short and sweet, it was a pleasure to watch. Great actors!
Beautiful acting
Great! Amazing acting!
So beautiful, I got choked up at the ending.
That's what she said😂
Thank you!
Uploading this when new year is here, Happy New Year to every one!
Happy New Year! 🎉🎉
A NEW LOVE for a NEW YEAR!
❤❤❤
Beautiful
Pov you’re at a joy division concert.
ROFL! As a Goth, I feel sooooo called out by this comment! Freaking hilarious! 🖤
@@crow_feather it had to be said as soon as I saw the caption. RIP Ian Curtis.
@@TheAncientEmo Hahaha! Yes, it very much did need to be said! Thanks for my first laugh of the new year! Happy New Year! And yes, most definitely, RIP Ian Curtis. He is most certainly missed! 🖤
How is Ian Curtis’ tragic suicide, leaving behind a wife and infant, funny? My in-law began having seizures when his baby was just a few months old. He could not hold his daughter for fear of dropping her. He died by suicide when she was six months. Epilepsy and suicide are not a joke.
@@sheilamorris1423 I am truly sorry to hear of your in-law's struggles with seizures, and I sincerely hope that he has found some form of respite from them. However, this was not a joke about either Ian Curtis's suicide, or about people with seizures. You need to go back and reread what was said if, in fact, that's what you think we were laughing at. Really, our comments above, especially those respectfully wishing that Ian Curtis rests in peace, should have tipped you off to all of this. That said, you are, of course, more than welcome to still choose to take offense if you like. However, I choose to neither enter into arguments with strangers on the internet, nor justify myself and my humor to anyone, and I am not going to justify myself to you here. Thus, on that note, I wish you well, and am ending this conversation, rather than choose to read your future responses or engage with you further. I hope you have a wonderful New Year's! Take care.
what a great new year's start!
Heartwarming story ❤ ( Happy New Year everyone!! Happiness & Health 2024 🎉🎉)
Here’s a thought… Perhaps some sunglasses would work. I have it as well and I never miss a rave
Beautiful diversion I love these on those late nights when I can't sleep,pop it on Around 4 am she'll be alright
that was beautiful! thank you
Happy new year my friend
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!! 🎉❤
Wow..... This was soul touching! But what happened in the end??
Wait a damn minute...
IS THAT THE GUY FROM ZOMBIES 2?!!?!?
LIKE FOR REAL?
OH MY GODDDDDD!!!
Very touching ❤
OK I legitimately don’t get it. My father had epilepsy and lived to be in his 40s epilepsy does not necessarily kill you.
Why teens these days are so rude she didn’t let him explain
Did in the end
We are all learning
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! And great video! 🎊🍾🎉
Happy New Year to you as well!! 🎉✨️
I wonder how fact-based this portrayal of epilepsy is.
Hi! It’s very fact-based. The director/writer has epilepsy and has worked with kids with epilepsy at camps as well as epilepsy foundations. I also have drug resistant epilepsy and I can say I’ve felt the way Sam has before!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
I love it!
❤ Beautiful.
Thank you for this. My husband and I were caregivers for a lady with aquired brain injury..seizures happened with her brain injury. This short movie was straight on and so very lovely.
Sincerely, Laura
Happy knew years
New
How many years?
I knew some years.
No subs and most of the dialog is whispering😢😢😢
And the fire sprinklers are going off, why?
Because the girl set off the fire alarm out of revenge , after seeing her boyfriend kiss someone else . Hence why the place is empty , everyone else has left the building.
@@gemstar7286 But no fire occurred. Fire sprinklers don't spray without heat setting them off
@@livenotonevil8279 Well she's supposed to have still pulled the fire alarm which triggered it, maybe these sprinklers didn't need a heat setting.
🎆Happy New Year🎇
Ty, Happy New Year! 🎉
Does he learn from his mistakes
Carpe Diem. It was worth the risk, he had overcame despite the challenge. Happy New Year!! 🎉🎉
(Not hating on the acting, acting is phenomenal.) but lmk when a film industry actually does epilepsy/ seizures well. What was this?! 🤨
It is left to the imagination
The actors are cute.
Comments below clarify previous questions, thanks!
Yes, they are cute and sorry about your friend. My sibling has epilepsy too, strobing lights can cause a seizure. I'm guessing there were strobing lights at the prom. He probably got an aura and made it to bathroom and had seizure. Lightning affects my sibling as well as strobing lights. The Girl in the bathroom pulled fire alarm after catching boyfriend kissing another girl. Causing kids to leave and sprinklers to go off. I believe writers did a good job. Happy New Year!! 🎉🎉
@@firefury6053 Sorry for your sibling! It has been very hard on my friend. I missed the part where she pulled the fire alarm. Thanks.
@Queenread82 Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm truly sorry for your friend. My sibling was finally put on a seizure medication that helps more than others. I hope your friend does better. No problem on the fire alarm. Have a good day and a good year. ❤
The writer and director has epilepsy. He’s working on creating awareness. The reason for the sprinklers is explained in the film. The other students probably left due to the fire alarm going off. As someone with drug resistant epilepsy, I find most of this to be a pretty accurate portrayal. Hope you have a happy new year!
@gracewitkowski4343 Thank you for that information, that's good to know. I'm sorry, Grace, you're in my prayers. I do wish you happiness and health in this new year. ♥️
well acted, but such an emotional cheap shot. You've taught all the viewers errors and half-truths about epilepsy.
It's pretty right on, and yes it was well acted. I live with an epileptic sibling. I really hope you have a good day and a good year. ❤
right back atcha, mate!
@@IgorOcash Thank you. 😊
not seeing other women. not real.
Just know that Kanye is about to drop the album of the year. VULTURES.