The Pressure of Sweetness
Drama, Short Films, 21-Jul-2022
Two undergraduates discuss the status of their relationship and their sexual experiences. Jinho Myung directs “The Pressure of Sweetness,” a spontaneous conversation that accurately reflects the nascent modes of expression between two young adults evaluating a fling. While hanging out one day, the young woman senses something is up with her new ‘boyfriend.’ He thinks they should break up but tells her in an awkward, roundabout way, and it leads to a lengthy discussion. Filmed with two cameras and often shown in split screen, Myung has a precise sense for capturing realistic behavior and allowing his characters to be filled with uncertainty and naivety. The effect is refreshing — it’s rare for a young filmmaker (Myung is only 20 years old) to pinpoint and express the personalities of people his own age without giving them an advanced awareness. And it may deliver pangs of recognition to older viewers recalling the cringe-worthiness of early romances. -KA. Writer, director, editor: Jinho Myung. Cinematographers: Connor Keep and Chris Li. Actors: Luis Figueroa Caunedo and Hana Lauer. Production assistant: Julia Barlow. Graphics: Dean Kobs.