Griffin Newman’s “Dinner Plan”: Trailer Reveals Comedy Chaos

Indie streaming platform Nebula is gearing up to release a new short film from director Patrick Willems, titled ‘The Dinner Plan’, which promises a unique blend of comedy and thriller elements. The recently revealed trailer offers an exclusive first look, highlighting star Griffin Newman’s character as he desperately tries to avoid a gastronomic disaster at a high-stakes dinner party. This 33-minute feature is set to debut just in time for the holiday season, on November 26.

The Premise: A Digestive Dilemma

At the heart of ‘The Dinner Plan’ is a relatable, albeit exaggerated, social predicament. Griffin Newman portrays a man who finds himself coerced into attending a dinner party hosted by his demanding boss. The critical twist: he suffers from a severe, rare food allergy. The trailer strongly suggests that tomatoes are the offending ingredient, an unfortunate detail given their apparent omnipresence in the host’s culinary repertoire throughout the evening. The film’s official description outlines the central conflict: the protagonist’s singular objective is to navigate the entire stressful night without the ultimate embarrassment of throwing up in front of everyone. This sets the stage for a narrative filled with tension, awkward social interactions, and physical comedy as Newman’s character battles an internal struggle against his own body.

A Star-Studded Supporting Cast

‘The Dinner Plan’ boasts a notable ensemble cast alongside Griffin Newman. Veteran actors such as John Hodgman and Miriam Shor are featured, lending their talents to the film’s comedic and dramatic potential. They are joined by Zach Cherry, Eudora Peterson, Geoffrey Cantor, and Cindy Cheung, rounding out a cast that promises a dynamic array of characters. The interplay between Newman’s increasingly uncomfortable character and these diverse personalities is likely to be a central comedic and dramatic driver of the short film.

Patrick Willems’ Vision

The short film is helmed by Patrick Willems, a creator known for his distinctive approach to filmmaking and criticism. Willems has built a significant following on YouTube and Nebula, where he expertly combines long-form film analysis with engaging narrative storytelling. His previous works include his debut feature film, ‘Night of the Coconut’, which was also released on Nebula in 2022. For ‘The Dinner Plan’, Willems directed from a story he conceived, with the screenplay developed by Michael Curran and Jacob Torpey. This project continues Willems’ exploration of narrative forms, moving from his critical essays into a direct comedic-thriller format.

Nebula’s Foray into Scripted Content

‘The Dinner Plan’ marks a significant moment for Nebula, the creator-owned subscription streaming platform that launched in 2019. While Nebula has established itself primarily as a hub for high-quality “edutainment” and educational content from independent creators, this short film signifies a deliberate expansion into scripted programming. This move indicates Nebula’s ambition to diversify its offerings and potentially attract a broader audience interested in original narrative productions, positioning it as a growing player in the independent streaming landscape.

Behind the Scenes: Production Details

The production of ‘The Dinner Plan’ was managed by Nebula’s own Dave Wiskus and Trenton Waterson, who served as producers for the film. Zara Glaze contributed as an associate producer. The 33-minute runtime suggests a concise yet impactful storytelling experience, designed to deliver its comedic-thriller premise efficiently. The collaborative effort between Willems and the writing team of Michael Curran and Jacob Torpey underscores a carefully crafted narrative designed to maximize the tension and humor of the central predicament.

Anticipation for the Release

With its November 26 release date, ‘The Dinner Plan’ is poised to offer a timely, humorous counterpoint to typical holiday season content. The trailer itself effectively sets the tone, emphasizing Griffin Newman’s palpable struggle to maintain composure. The unique blend of comedy and thriller elements, combined with a strong ensemble cast and Patrick Willems’ directorial vision, positions this short film as a noteworthy event for Nebula subscribers and fans of independent cinema. Viewers can anticipate a film that explores social anxiety, physical discomfort, and the lengths one might go to avoid an embarrassing public display, all wrapped in an engaging narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘The Dinner Plan’

When and where can I watch ‘The Dinner Plan’?

‘The Dinner Plan’ will be released on November 26 and will be available exclusively on the indie streaming platform Nebula.

Who is involved in the making of the film?

Griffin Newman stars in the lead role. The film is directed by Patrick Willems, with a story by Willems and screenplay by Michael Curran and Jacob Torpey. The cast also includes John Hodgman, Miriam Shor, Zach Cherry, Eudora Peterson, Geoffrey Cantor, and Cindy Cheung. Dave Wiskus and Trenton Waterson produced the film for Nebula.

In conclusion, ‘The Dinner Plan’ represents an intriguing new chapter for both Patrick Willems and the Nebula platform. With Griffin Newman at the helm of a precarious dinner party scenario, the short film promises a tightly wound comedy-thriller that leverages social awkwardness and physical comedy to great effect. Its release signals Nebula’s growing ambition in original scripted content, offering viewers a fresh and engaging narrative experience just in time for the end of the year.