Essentials

Short

Illinois, 17 Minutes

Director Allison Torem

Producers Eva Fabray, Adam Rebora, Allison Torem

Screenwriter Allison Torem

Executive Producer Phil Ortiz

Editor Eric Marsh

Cinematographer Phil Ortiz

Music By Clay Corso

Cast Austin Pendleton, Allison Torem

Schlepping home from an ill-conceived grocery haul in early lockdown, Vivian is interrupted by a senior citizen’s corny joke. Essentials is a celebration of the transformative power of “small talk” in large pedestrian environments between two differently isolated individuals.