Directed and written by Adam Rehmeier, “Dinner in America” was released in 2020, starring Kyle Gallner and Emily Skeggs, with an action packed plot for sci-fi and punk lovers alike.

This movie was definitely glossed over because of the pandemic, being released in 2020 for various film festivals, but opening in theaters in 2022. Today, the producers are attempting to get it back in theaters, with many petitions being made to have the movie shown nationwide.

The film follows a man on the run, Simon, disguised as Johnny Q, the infamous singer for an underground punk rock band, and the woman he becomes infatuated with, Patty, who is already obsessed with his alias. 

Patty is a neurodivergent woman who lives at home with her parents and adopted brother Kevin. She struggles to fit in, being taunted by most people she interacts with, including both her and Simon’s families. Patty is infatuated with Simon, sending him love letters and taking fangirling to an entirely new level, whereas Simon is violent and impulsive, never making the right decision and keeping his secrets close to his heart. 

The duo falls in love throughout the movie in unconventional ways. Simon realizes he can confide in Patty, and relinquishes his secret identity to her, revealing that he was who she had been sending love poems and risqué photos. Despite the turmoil the film takes them through, Simon and Patty continue their relationship; she becomes part of his schemes while he pays for his crimes. After everything, the roles became reversed and two became one. 

This is definitely not a movie to watch with the family, with lots of vulgar language and dark jokes said during the film, but I would recommend it to a college-aged audience. It’s something to watch with your significant other, especially if you’re neurodivergent or part of the punk scene. 

I would give this movie a four out of five stars. I love the different catchphrases and motifs used throughout the film, learning their hidden and changing meanings throughout viewing. Overall, it kept my attention during the hour and 49 minutes and took me from laughing my head off to crying my eyes out repeatedly, with scenes hitting home in ways I never thought would.