I like 'Dinner date.' I really do think the small production is rather excellent. At all points the set and lighting is outstanding, from the dark, sparse lighting upstairs that could equally portend romance or dire circumstances, to the basement, bare and dimly lit yet starkly glaring.
The two leads are quite fine. Clarence Wethern and Heather Raiter both hide a small measure of nervousness under a purposefulness so direct as to be a little curt. Costume designer Marit Geston is to be commended; Wethern's suit is sharp and eye-catching despite its dark palette, and Raiter looks stunning in her simple garb.
For all the forcefulness behind the actors' performances, the film is distinctly understated, as emphasized by not just the pauses between lines of dialogue but Mervin Chin's music as well. Utilized more heavily the vivid strings would certainly affirm in no uncertain terms the grisly nature of this short, but like writer-director Paul von Stoetzel's screenplay, the music is deliberately pushed aside to only punctuate particular moments.
In every technical sense, 'Dinner date' excels, as do its stars. I do have an issue with how fantastically obvious the narrative is; one can't even rightly say there's a twist, because from the very beginning we see it coming. It's not shocking or disturbing when you know 10 minutes ahead of time what to expect. As well as this is put together, I have to assume that was von Stoetzel's intent - not to daze viewers, but to just let us soak in the atmosphere, and appreciate the content for its own merits. That's an interesting choice, and I'm not sure how to judge it, yet the result is a feeling that something is missing.
I also find myself disappointed that the crux of the scenario is rather one-sided. We know quite well what "the man" wants. Obviously "the girl" has agreed to the arrangement. But isn't it a little pedestrian to put all the power of this fleeting relationship, such as it is, in the hands of the male character? Why shouldn't she also be able to enjoy what clearly fascinates them both? Male-centric horror is just so passé as to be bland.
Like I said: 'Dinner date' isn't bad. I did enjoy it. But it's definitely missing a punch to make it truly stand out, and the agency given to the characters here is frankly antiquated in its dispensation.
I'm curious to watch more content from all involved here. I just wish this itself were more satisfying.
