logline:

in the gutters of midwest americana, an aimless summer turns violent when a young woman must choose herself or her reckless dealer boyfriend.

synopsis:

19-year-old honey drifts through a stagnant summer with her high school drop-out boyfriend, corbin, who’s chasing a life in drug dealing. as corbin clashes with his unstable supplier, mikey, honey escapes into dreamlike reveries, yearning for a different future. when danger escalates, she must confront her limits and choose between loyalty to corbin or carving out a life of her own.

characters:

honey, 19:

imaginative and introspective, contrary to her overall disconnected and somewhat depressive presence. she surrenders to corbin's world but retreats into isolation when tensions rise. she romanticizes freedom and escape, yearning for a life beyond her small-town reality.

corbin, 23:

a high-school dropout to pursue his "career" in drug dealing under mikey, fueled by promises of status and money. charming and easygoing but impulsive and self-centered, he relies on honey emotionally and practically, often taking her for granted.

mikey, 38:

the big fish in a small pond, ruling the local drug trade with calculated unpredictability and a twisted sense of humor. he manipulates young recruits with promises of success but only he truly benefits. violent and volatile, mikey's presence keeps those around him on edge.

jay, 22:

corbin's loyal but dim-witted best friend brings a goofy, laid-back, stoner energy to every moment.

visual plan:

americana, rustic, and edgy.

the contrast between honey's two worlds is visually distinct and intentional.

corbin's world:

with corbin, the enivornment feels dull, suffocated, and barren. muted neutrals fill this space. shared spaces are visually imbalanced: corbin's belongings crowd the frame, leaving little room for honey. not only does she feel out of place but visually, so do her belongings.

the dry, yellowed grasses that make up their backyard serve as a metaphor for the lack of opportunity surrounding her.

honey's world:

when honey escapes into her world, we shift drastically. dense foliage fills empty space. vibrant hues and rich color palettes saturate every moment. warm sun flares, textured lighting, and whimsical curiosity. every small moment matters here: leaves sway in the breeze, insects inch across pavement. her world feels softer, warmer, and abundant.

falling into darkness:

when things turn darker for corbin and honey, so does the world around them. heavy night scenes, grim lighting, and handheld shots for an organic look as tensions rise.

our inspirations:

• The Virgin Suicides (1999) - dreamy fantasties & disillusioned love
• Red Rocket (2021) - small town vibes & hustler energy
• Palo Alto (2013) - coming of age self-destruction & rebellion
• I Believe in Unicorns (2014) - fantasy & troubled young love

production timeline:

pre-production: january 2026 - april 2026

we're building our crew and our ideas. it's months of moodboards, tests, and blue-light glasses.

production: april - june 2026

4 days, 1 house, we're surviving off cheap coffee and vibes; the best part!

post-production: july 2026 - september 2026

editing, sound design, and color grading; where magic happens!

here's how you can help support our team:

contribute:

you're contribution will help us support our various crew departments, casting, and making our dream a reality!

spread the word:

tell your friends and family about us!

follow & engage:

keep up with us on instagram @honey.shortfilm!