After a series of incompatible matches, and time closing in, Blake is accidentally launched through a series of turbulent splash portals

In a not so distant future, relationship compatibility is determined by an advanced algorithm enforced by the federal government. Participation is mandatory. Users must be paired with (or reassigned) to their ideal partner within one year or be transitioned to a permanent single lifestyle facility.

After a series of incompatible matches, and time closing in, Blake (John Bubniak) is accidentally launched through a series of turbulent splash portals when his matching device malfunctions in his bathtub, sending him through a whirlwind of glitches in this ill-fated waterlogged love story.

In the midst of the storm all you do is hold on to each other tight

This story and the idea of using a raging storm as a metaphor for the trials that test relationships has been in my mind for a long time. Two people who are perfectly compatible and 100% in love are still going to get hit with challenges out of their control. Maybe it’s health, finances, loss of a job, death of a parent, etc. There are so many factors internal and external that threaten and test love. And sometimes in the midst of the storm all you do is hold on to each other tight and hope you make it out the other end. That was the emotional inspiration for the story. I’m a huge fan of Pixar, especially their animated shorts, and I wanted to tell this emotionally compelling story using minimal dialog. The short was also made as a proof of concept for a long form series!

As the film starts off with a loose direction, we quickly understand its global set up. Then with little warning, we are set into a jumpy ballad of discovery. Storm is shot with an Alexa mini in splash bag, a red dragon in gates housing and a Sony VHS camcorder (for flash forward footage). The film’s quick pace and dynamic style creates an adventurous and emotional ride as we search for an end goal together with the main character.