An absurd comedy about a woman exploring her own misogyny through fantasies about having a penis and hatred for traditional gender roles. “Laying Out,” directed by Joanna Arnow, casually wades into deeply uncomfortable waters with a fearless sense of humor. On a day at the beach, two women have a conversation about relationships and gender dynamics. The first, played by Michole Briana White, talks about a recent sexual encounter that’s been bothering her. The other, played by Arnow, doesn’t seem interested in engaging emotionally, instead prodding her friend to list reasons why she hates women, and later requesting very specific details how should might behave sexually if she were a man. With almost each cut, Arnow reveals a new piece of visual information that adds to the strangeness and complexity. Arnow’s debut feature, i hate myself :) operated in similar provocative territory, an unsettling yet fascinating personal documentary about Arnow’s relationship with a problematic boyfriend. -KA. Director, Writer, Editor: Joanna Arnow. Cast: Michole Briana White, Joanna Arnow. Cinematographer: Lidia Nikonova. Producer: Kara Durrett. Executive Producers: Vanessa McDonnell, Jane Schoenbrun, Pierce Varous. Costume Designer: Sofie Somoroff. Production Designer: Zoe Koke. Art Director, Costumer: Celina Bernstein. Location Sound Recordist: Kara Johnson. Hair and Makeup: Marianne Beer.