Yes

YES, a poignant drama centered around the unlikeliest of friendships, delves into the complexities of male relationships, exploring themes of identity, power dynamics, and the fragility of human emotions. The film is based on Tim Realbuto's critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play and masterfully weaves a narrative that raises essential questions about the intersections of mentorship, desire, and the blurred lines between artistic expression and truth. Patrick Nolan, once a rising star in Hollywood, now finds himself lost and struggling to find his place in the world. His storied past, marked by early success and intense scrutiny, has left him feeling empty and disconnected from the very art form that once defined him. Jeremiah Rosenhaft, 17 years his junior, is the new talent that Patrick is hired to mentor, a seemingly innocent arrangement that slowly evolves into a deeply intimate bond between the two men. Their initial interactions reveal a striking disconnect – Patrick, now in his mid-30s, is out of touch with his own youth and the world around him, while Jeremiah embodies the vitality and curiosity of a teenager navigating the cutthroat terrain of show business. Despite their differences, a certain affinity develops between them, with Patrick drawn to Jeremiah's unbridled passion and innocence, qualities he once had himself. As the lessons progress, Patrick starts to reveal aspects of Jeremiah that hint at a profound connection, both intellectually and emotionally. One of the primary strengths of YES is its thoughtful portrayal of the fluid nature of relationships. Patrick and Jeremiah's bond defies neat categorizations, existing in a state of ambiguity that echoes the complexities of real life. Their interactions are marked by an undercurrent of tension, as the boundaries between mentor and protégé begin to blur. Patrick's attempts to teach Jeremiah about the art of acting are simultaneously laced with subtle manipulations and genuine attempts to connect. Their discussions about the industry, creativity, and the human experience serve as a backdrop for Patrick's own self-reflection, as he confronts the remnants of his star-struck past and the emotional scars that have long been hidden. The power dynamics at play are multifaceted, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between a mentor's guidance and an emotional entanglement. Jeremiah, with his wide-eyed enthusiasm, begins to uncover the layers of Patrick's persona, exposing vulnerabilities he has long kept hidden from the world. The depth of this relationship is both poignant and unnerving, as the lines between paternal affection and something more begin to erode. Throughout the film, the supporting cast is relatively minimal, but those who appear are imbued with a depth that underscores the themes at the heart of YES. In many ways, they function as foils to the central dynamic between Patrick and Jeremiah, serving to underscore their complex bond and the world that exists beyond the confines of their relationship. The cinematography of YES is equally compelling, with the camera capturing the tension-filled moments of intimacy and the hollowness of a life left behind. The use of muted colors and deliberate pacing creates an atmosphere that is both contemplative and emotionally charged, reflecting the characters' experiences with honesty and nuance. YES raises questions about the nature of vulnerability and the spaces where emotions are revealed. Through its poignant portrayal of a complicated relationship, the film gently nudges its audience toward empathy, encouraging viewers to step beyond the confines of traditional roles and confront the ambiguities that exist in the world around them. With a masterful narrative that refuses to shy away from the complexities of human emotion, YES offers a deeply moving reflection on the intricacies of connection, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that increasingly demands authenticity.