An anniversary gift leads two young lovers into a black hole of misunderstanding. “Love Machine,” directed by Michael Rees, is a squirm-inducing dark comedy about the delusions and insensitivities of a dysfunctional couple. What at first appears to be a straightforward relationship study soon dev...

A struggling stand-up comedian decides to make a comedy sex tape in hopes of getting famous. This rapid-fire mockumentary — created by and starring Mary Beth Barone, Tea Hacic, and Megan Patsel — follows along as Mary Beth pitches her idea and sets out to produce the tape, trying to maintain its ...

A man lives in a restaurant where he also works as a waiter. Ian Faria and Edy Modica direct “Waiter Movie: The Short,” a hilarious and oddly endearing portrait of a New York waiter who chops it up with patrons just as well as he waits tables. We meet our old soul Frankie, played by Modica hersel...

On a laid-back summer day, a young woman spends some time with her casual partner. Irmak Akgur directs “Limerence,” a slice-of-life portrait that flows in uninhibited vignettes. Minimally plotted but tonally sharp, Akgur’s film captures a couple of free spirits in their element — spending the day...

While dealing with sexism and mistreatment at work, Lee finds solace in her relationship with her best friend, Evelyn. One of the more off-the-wall selections we’ve featured of late, this short feature (42 minutes) by Mitch F. Anderson is perhaps most notable for a striking absence — an on-screen...

A mother and daughter trip on Mushrooms together on the Jersey Shore. A unique concoction of documentary, filmed recreations and improvisation, “Are You Ok? Cause I’m Ok.,” directed by Rivka Rivera, finds a passionate mother/daughter coping with love and death. As they prepare for the drug exper...

A young woman gets her back pierced and contemplates an upcoming decision. Irmak Akgür directs “Ribbon,” a slice-of-life portrait that captures a youthful relationship on a quiet but significant day. After her tattooed boyfriend gives her back piercings, he threads a pink ribbon, corset-style, th...

When a conspiracy theorist’s internet goes out, he calls the cable company to fix the problem. Ft Langley directs “Steakhouse,” a bizarre sci-fi-inspired comedy where one man’s delusions lead to some questionable reactions toward his sudden visitor. Our main character wakes up at his desk; it see...

A knight in an accursed and shattered world tempts fate with a mysterious song. Albert Birney’s “Gruenfeld” boards a medieval quest where fantasy is suddenly met by horror. Told from the deep voice of an anonymous narrator, we observe the weathered knight, Sir Garreth, as he desperately searches ...

On their anniversary, a spontaneous sex-tape forces a 30-something couple to confront dormant issues in their relationship. Alex Bliss directs “A Real, Sexual Relationship,” a provocative exploration of the unsatisfied sex life and communication issues between Edy and Eric. After blindfolding her...

An American comedy group documents their first trip to London performing what may be their last show together. “Simple Town Goes to London” is a docu-fictional look at the antics and conflicts behind-the-scenes of a Brooklyn alt comedy group across the pond. Serenaded by a baroque choir, we obser...

During their first hookup, a new couple workshops a mommy kink. Sophia Smith directs “Mommy,” an awkward sex comedy about intimacy going off the rails. From the start, the encounter is uncomfortable — they fumble to get into position, and he is bothered by the presence of her dog. But it gets rea...