If you are looking for something that feels like the lost gay subplot of 'Love, Actually', this short film hits the right spot. It is a quick, charming NYC subway chase between two exes that perfectly captures the messy, desperate side of modern romance.
A Desperate Subway Chase
There is something inherently chaotic about New York City during the holidays, and Xmas eve eve captures that exact energy. Set in the middle of a cold December night in 2020, the story jumps straight into the action. Dennis is trying to catch a flight and leave the city for good, but his ex-boyfriend Tom is not ready to let him go. What follows is a fast-paced, sometimes funny, and entirely messy subway chase. It honestly feels like watching a deleted scene from a classic holiday romantic comedy.
Messy Exes and NYC Vibes
The dynamic between the two leads is what makes this short work so well. Christian Elán Ortiz plays Dennis, a guy who is clearly done with the city and just wants to move on. On the flip side, Javan Nelson is great as Tom, the ex who uses every trick in the book to try and manipulate him into staying. Tom's desperate attempts to stop Dennis are both annoying and deeply relatable. You can feel the history between them in their quick arguments on the train.
Director Dazhi Huang does a fantastic job of using the subway setting to build tension. The tight spaces, the passing stops, and the random New York characters - like an angry recycler - make the whole situation feel completely authentic. The pandemic backdrop adds a little bit of extra isolation to the story, making Tom's fear of losing Dennis hit a bit harder. The actors bring a lot of natural charm to the screen, and even though Tom is acting crazy, you kind of want to see if his plan will actually work.
