INFLUENCE | Omeleto
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2021
- A private school student starts to rebel after his older brother drops out of college.
INFLUENCE is used with permission from Indy Dang. Learn more at indydang.com.
Cal is a 16-year-old private school student who achieves high grades and is in many ways a model son. But he struggles with his identity and doesn't fit in at school, and is often the target of other students' persecution.
When his older brother suddenly drops out of college and returns home, Cal explores a freer, more rebellious side of life -- but it puts him on a collision course to damaging his future altogether and tear their family apart.
Written and directed by Indy Dang, this compelling short drama has teen protagonists, and stereotypically adolescent themes of identity and rebellion power its well-paced narrative forward. But it achieves a richness and resonance through the emotional depth of its writing and performances, creating a story that pulls at viewers' sympathy, even as the plot and characters grow ore complicated.
The film's mood begins with its weathered, burnished look. Muted naturalism and a moodiness in its light and color signal a more serious approach to the milieu, capturing something of the somberness and grit of New England. Within this background, the narrative situates this story of two brothers, who form a classic pair of opposing forces.
Cal is the straight-arrow, low-maintenance high achiever who wins praise, while his brother Landon is the rebellious, angry troublemaker. Landon's arrival back home threatens the family equilibrium that reveals the dysfunction of its dynamics. His renewed bond with Cal also sets off a chain of events engrossing in the story's willingness to engage deeply in its characters' longings, vulnerabilities and flaws.
Young actors Kyle Brier and Samuel Blustein play Cal and Landon, respectively, with a depth and maturity that gives them precision and fluency with the thornier aspects of their characters. Cal begins to explore his rebellious side, where he feels freer to explore who he is, while Landon starts to embrace his favored brother again. These two arcs are intertwined, informing one another in a way that only siblings who are friends are able -- but which also leads to unpredictable consequences that threaten the family and Cal's future.
INFLUENCE is ultimately a story about fellowship, friendship and the uniquely intense, fraught but fiercely loyal bond between brothers, a story told with a remarkable level of emotional engagement, especially for a short. Continually engaging and powerful to watch, viewers come to care for these characters, even when they make potentially catastrophic mistakes and decisions. An aching, yearning empathy is the brothers' gift to one another -- as well as the story's gift to the audience. - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
"A lot of parents will do anything for their kids, except let them be themselves" Banksy.
Some pet parents are like that too...it's so strange.
You are so right. A child being themself is part of growing up. Making mistakes is also a part of growing up and that is how we learn. The problem here is that the parents NEVER grew up. They were too perfect! Shame on them for throwing their son out of the house.
Did his mom seriously get pissed at him because he had an A-minus?. Are there actually parents like that?
Yes lollll. I’m fortunate enough to not have them but I know people who’s parents get pissed if they get below 90% 😬
It was because she wanted him to be valedictorian or something because he said he wanted to be one.
My mom got mad at me cause I had an A-.
I told her that it’s the same as an A- because my band teacher gave me info that an A- is the same as an A+ in gpa
My parents were thrilled when I got a C in algebra.
Yes?
That weed dealer is such a user! He knew Cal was gay, so he flirt with him (kinda) then made him did his bidding. But when things went south, he started calling him names. What a manipulative scumbag!
The weed dealer was obviously a gay as well. Or maybe a partial one. But definitely sugar in his tank.
@@loyaltyisroyalty5616 hey! Just wanted to let you know that terms like “a gay” and “a partial gay” are typically offensive and probably shouldn’t be used. Gay is an adjective*, not a noun, and ‘a partial gay’ is someone who’s bisexual or pansexual. Thanks, hope you have a good day!
@@maurnavi6800 Um... actually, if you look for it in the dictionary, gay is an adjective. And lesbian is a noun, as in a gay woman. Bisexual and pansexual are adjectives as well. But you're right about "partial gay", it's offensive because there's no such thing as partially gay, there's only bisexual. Or maybe bi-curious. What the hell is partially gay?!
@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 sorry, sorry! I meant adjective, not verb. My brain sorta spaced out there, haha. The point of what I meant though is just that it’s inappropriate to call someone “a gay”, is all
I don't think he was gay. I also don't think his father is in the hospital.
Kicking kids out is far too normalized. You brought them into this world, you should spend time preparing them, not punish them like this.
Yeah those parents suck
Amazing
Don't ever throw your kids out of the house. Years ago I had an argument with my 15yo son and he used the F word against me for the first time in his life. I yelled at him that he cannot use that language in my house. He said "fine" and stormed out leaving everything behind. I thought he would be back in a few hours but it was 6 months before he returned. They were the hardest 6 months of my life.
Kidz sometimes have little respect when they should have some... Kids can be very thin skinned too and a little Tough Love sometimes is needed. Respect thy parents... Without real respect you have nothing. Don't ever let your kids run your live because of their selfish needs or wants...
@@robertpurtell7984 don't ever throw ur kids out of the house no matter what.. Cuz there is highly likely chance to get them as corpse if u kick them out of the house and I don't think u would have ur son/daughter there to do the "tough love" Anymore... Just saying
@@alanancy3178 I did and don't see or talk to them any more... I deserver respect and if I don't get it I don't need to be around them no matter who they are... Have not seen daughter in in 9 years... That's life though. I am not going to be manipulate by my own kid. But thank you for your reply.
@@robertpurtell7984 I’m not surprised they haven’t come to see you
@@robertpurtell7984 bruh dude think about your life for a second
when he told him and they both started crying I started crying with them.
Me too ....
That was tough. So freaking good this movie.
He saw me crying, he crew too, we both crode.
Me too
Same
Hey everyone, this is Indy, the writer, director and producer of Influence. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! If you have any questions about the film and its production, I’d be happy to answer them. Enjoy!
Amazing film, loved it. Can you shed a light on the older brother's character?
@@ashishkumarsharma1323 Thank you so much! For me, Landon is somebody who just wants to be supported and treated fairly. I know some elder siblings who feel like the “guinea pig” child because their parents were still learning how to be parents when raising them. So he harbors resentment towards his parents for not giving him the same care and opportunities as Cal. And in a world that values high grades and financial success, he feels powerless. But Landon really loves his brother and when he sees Cal struggling, he really tries to be there for him. That’s the place I wrote from, hope that sheds some light!
@@indydangproductions6879 thank you so much for clearing it out. I am a Theatre Artist too and this script was well presented. Hoping to see some amazing future projects from you.
Mr. Indy what was your inspiration and was it hard to write? Why did you do a short vs a book or ebook? How long did it take you and have you always been so brave and outgoing?
@@tiffanywright1833 Hi Tiffany! My main inspiration was to make a film that was about brothers. I have a brother and we’re very close, so I wanted to explore that unique dynamic in a story. I did it as a film because I studied filmmaking in college and this was my senior thesis. Plus, films are the ultimate art form to me because you can do everything- writing, directing, working with actors, playing with music and creating images. It’s a multisensory experience! I wrote and refined the script for about 5 months (it was hard to write!) then we did preproduction for about 2 months and we shot it over 8 days. I haven’t always been brave with my storytelling, but I strive to be because there could be a lot of people who connect and relate to the stories that you’re too afraid to tell. Thanks for the questions :)
The way Landon said "it's okay" repeatedly to Cal to comforting him is so touching; I cried ㅠ.ㅠ it must have felt really good to know there is someone who can understand you while all the people in the world are against you
This story is the exact opposite of "Love, Simon", so much closer to reality than the famous movie. Bitter and painful. Just like real life.
@MsI2I You mean like, a very few people? Yeah, some extremely few lucky people gets to feel the "Love, Simon" kinda life. But for the majority of people, it's a very different story. It's like, a million to one.
@MsI2I Don't get me wrong. I do like stories with happy endings just as much as other people. Maybe even more! But that's just it. Stories. Not reality. At least to A LOT OF people, real life is bitter and painful.
Wow the ending 😭😭. This entire short is brilliantly done, great actors 👏🎬.
They ran away together, right?
@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833: Watch the short and come up with your own conclusion 😁☺️.
@@libratude9595 Well, Cal said, "We don't have to go home." Or something like that. So I assume they ran away together.
@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 I hope so & I hope they’re thriving, living their best lives 😭 That mother was doing everything in her power, to cause friction in their relationship & push them apart, whether she realized it or not…..but it didn’t work.
Yea. They got me, too, in the end there. They got me good. Fantastic movie.
By far, my favorite Omeleto short film I've ever watched. This film exactly told my real life... at home and my relationship with my brother. I do feel the character of Cal being bullied for not fitting in that made him a loner and an outcast at some point but not questioning my own identity. No friends at the age of 22 is a curse and the image of a nice guy is like a white cloth that was designed to maintain its purest form. Making a smallest stain will ruin your reputation. At present, I am planning to make my greatest rebellion against my parents and once I did, I can be the freer version of my self from the chains of my toxic parents, without any loads of doubts, anxieties, and pain.
For toxic parents toxic kids.
This also was one of my favorites. I am sorry that you have been struggling your 22 years on this earth. I do not know the details. But I do know that as I age (just turned 60), I have a much better understanding of why my parents made certain decisions. What felt "toxic" to me when I was younger is so understandable now. They just were doing what they thought was best for me. So please think long about your "greatest rebellion against your parents". As you age your opinions may change when you look back. I really like your analogy of the "nice guy is like a white cloth..." It made me think and respond (rare for me). I have learned to live with my stains and embrace them. They make me who I am today and I love myself, stains and all. Both my parents are gone now and I miss them every day. I wish you the very best, you're only 22 and have so much life ahead of you. It is so cliche, but I'm going to say it, "life goes by in the blink of an eye".
@@suef9288 "toxic" is a bit strong. The parents were truly doing what they thought was the very best for their sons. Tossing the kid out of the house in the heat of the moment is understandable to me, plus I agree with the younger son who told his brother the parents would take him back in and get him the help he needed. Doesn't sound toxic to me.
This is definitely in my top 3. The acting was brilliant & the writing was top notch….so many of these short films, could be turned into amazing series.
Hey dude. I'm 23, for me it's hard sometimes to communicate well with others because I get anxious easily in some situations and I feel under pressure. And because I have lived these anxiety episodes in a small percentage in my life I think I have OCD. I tend to overthink the same ideas in my mind and if I don't achieved something as I was expecting I feel very disappointed.
I hope you can become as independent as you're willing to. My parents were somehow toxic before their divorce and it's better they have their own lives now.. but unfortunately talking individually to them it's tough. They become emotionally unstable and it affects me.
Good luck, I hope you can make good friends!
this film became really personal to me cuz my sister didn't go to college and i dropped out of highschool (but i'm taking ged) and i deeply can relate to the sibling bonding in this film their problems, conflicts with the parents, being a social misfits/bullied it's all very real, it just feels weird..i never watched a film that's realistic as this it's crazy
Conflict with parents?
His brother was all he had, but yet he sold him out to the parents!!
True. But the older brother still looked out his younger bro and beat up his weed dealer friend when he saw him hitting him.
Im pretty sure it was the heat of the moment. At the end, he actually didn’t expect for his only brother to be kicked out and went looking for him.
@@bunxsx475 It was def in the heat of the moment, but doesn’t mean it wasn’t fd up lol Landon didn’t even know Cal agreed to be the middle man & Cal could’ve said no. The guy was definitely manipulative af, but Cal chose to take the risk. It’s not Landon’s fault, just because he introduced the two of them. Cal knew his mother would believe him over his brother, & he used that to his advantage…..he definitely seemed to regret it though.
Sometimes its better to let out a bad secret so they will learn to deal with the consequences. Hiding forever and pretending to be a perfect child will only make things worse in the future. It was a can of worms waiting to happen.
@Xavunwort -_-
*Brotherhood
This is heavy. Bullying is evil, I hate it. Never kick a kid out,
This short is so complex and layered.. damn i just loved it so much! Brilliant!
Nah not really
The drug dealer friend could have delivered the weed himself. Pretty crappy to set up his friend's brother like that.
It was an easy job though
It was difficult for him to get into the premises. Cal was a much safter choice. At least for him. Sleasy scumbag.
It was like the writer couldn't think of realistic way for this to happen.
The piano piece is actually Rachmaninoff Prelude in C-sharp minor
who asked
Nobody cares Chad
My guy i think most people would that by now.
@@lisamarieportee4990 I care, so stop speaking for the entire class, ma’am.
I do. Gonna look it up. Thank you.
This has made me wish, more than anything I have ever seen, that I had a brother or sister.
I remember my friend Jackie from high school who upon finding out I was an only child said, “I’m so sorry.” I asked her why? She said, “If you are an only child then how can you ever know that it’s possible to fight with someone all day long, but then laugh and tell jokes under the covers together that night.”
I feel you andrea, as an only child i also always ask my parents for a sibling but they always say they are too old for that. I really envy my cousins and friends who have siblings and want to have that kind of experience; having a frienemy that will always be there for you no matter what. But i think it's my destiny so yeah, i could do nothing about it except keep praying hoping someday i will have best friends that will be by my side through my journey of life.
The ending was beautiful. The brothers hugging is just making my heart go brrr
In case anyone missed it, the older brother is a meth addict which is why the parents kicked him out. That's meth in his box
YEP...which means he quit school before actually quitting school.
"Woah. . . you're a dumbass Cal"
Best line in the movie 😭🤣
Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦
That performance by the older brother when he got kicked out was over the top i think. Overall solid SF
It made me tear up.
Nah not really, because at the same time they caught him with everything all at once so he knew that was the end
No matter what happens, brotherhood (overall sibling-hood) can never be beaten. No matter what happens, they will help each-other out, no matter how mad they are at each-other.
Wrong
So very wrong.
So very wrong probably for your family 😒
You watch too much Disney.
Finally, the sequel to Ferris Bueller's Day Off! 💁🏻♂️
oh --forget my comment now, AI BIGTIME---I was going to say, "doesn't the younger brother look a lot like Matthew Broderick?!
I KNEW HE REMINDED ME OF SOMEONE
How is this the sequel?
@@gomez_tooraw3378 don’t over think it...geez.
@@albigtime3714 so you know its not then?
Well written and beautifully performed by all. Loved that scene when the brothers came home and ran up the stairs. Then the mother looks over at her husband and he says "are the boys home?", lol. That must have been a blast to do that scene.
Green E
Caught this at a private screening and it blew me away. Looking forward to seeing more from this talented group!
Honestly the most emotional video on this channel, it just really hit home. My older brother dropped out of college and he was never the same. He would just work at a job he hated and would come home late, drunk and getting into arguments with my parents. Honestly felt like he was taking advantage of my parents. God I started having PTSD from this. Its painful . . .
i feel so sorry for you,like me except its the parents who argue and are drunk
PTSD? No... no you didn’t.
@@loyaltyisroyalty5616 ok? What are you trying to prove ? Keyboard warrior
I highly doubt your brother does this to take advantage of your parents. I hope things gets better for you both
@@johnsoapmactavish9921 I’m just pointing out that you are devaluing the struggles people have with ptsd when you make a statement like that.
As an older brother I feel for the older brother, even though he is rude I feel for him.
The acting in this short film was absolutely incredible! A myriad of social problems! I can not understand bullying! It shows the total depravity of man. Bullying at school should never be tolerated!
Ends with a tune of "liberation". Those 2 handsome men are great actors especially Landon. Did great all of you.
As an older brother, and a Landon, this makes me want to call my brother instantly and tell him I love him. We haven't always had the greatest relationship but I will always love him with the bottom of my heart!
The acting was amazing it really shows the brothers relationship. Love it!
It’s crazy how it’s the private schools which are the most toxic.
Because they are allowed to be religiously toxic, more homophobic, racist, and otherwise messed up because they aren’t “technically” government funded… and don’t have to follow certain laws/rules like public schools do.
a lot of spoiled rich kids
A brother is born for adversity.. a beautiful picture of that in this movie.. fabulously done, I was immersed ..
Man this really gets at the deep bond between brothers. I can legit be mad to the point where I want to fist-fight my brother, but would give my life to save his. It's weird, but beautiful.
Brava! This hit me in the feels. "I am what you think I am." Is better than "I can't quit you." I can't tell you how much I love this.
Yeah rich people throwin their kids out with drug problems instead of offering support. That's how it be. Only thing our family was poor af and the same thing happened to my bro.
Yeah same, except we ended up being provided by our school for free therapy just for my younger brother. It’s slowly getting better since it’s changing the way we should behave also.
@@bunxsx475 there was no school therapy back then mayn...it was basically like.. oh you got problems...oh well! Lol ...I'm glad you and your bro got help tho...♡♡
Since when is smoking weed a drug problem? Jeez.
@@AstoriaHeard I don't know. My personal gripe wasn't with people who smoke weed, but with the parents. It's apparent with the comment I made. You may reflect differently upon the matter. When people get arrested for multiple years for smoking a plant, that's when you question society. So I think the bigger picture here is not since when was smoking weed a drug problem, but since when did society decide to classify smoking a plant as so dangerous they have to lock people up in cages? I mean you really need to think about society and why they need to force their ideals on other people when it comes to this topic; but that's just my opinion.
I'd seriously watch a whole movie. These are so good.
This short is criminally underrated and deserve way more views. After watching this, I literally speechless.. I guess they were lucky they still have each other. I don't get why most people don't say what they really feel. Don't wait to lose someone and regret not able to say that you love them, when you can remind them everyday that you do.
Good job to the actors and Omeleto! It didn't feel like 25 minutes have past.. I need more of this story please.
wow another good episode again. Omeleto you're a true boss of short movies
Purely brother love! I wish i had an older brother who cares for me...
10:50 he is FALLING IN LOVE
beautifully acted by the boys: all too believable
This is great. Let's have a series! We need to know what happens to this family.
Indy Dang’s short film “Influence” covers a lot of territory in its 25 minutes run time. Production values are high and the acting of its three young male leads is sympathetic and nuanced to their characters. But its main difficulty is that it doesn’t quite know how to resolve its overabundance of conflicts that it has so adroitly setup. While the filmmaker has not shirked with depicting the story’s social realism, does he really want to invite his audience to settle for a male version of a Thelma & Louise drive-off into the night at story’s end?
That was so well done, and shows how easily and quickly life can spin out of control.....well acted, directed....bomb!
And that’s why you never trust dealers
Indy did a great job. I'm proud of you son
That was the most passive aggressive rebellion I’ve ever seen! Lol
Beautiful job telling a complex, dynamic story. Strong script, production values, and acting. All characters had a moment to shine. Keep making films!
That was heartbreaking. The brother crying in the door. Such a great actor. OMG. I love this film.
Extremely well done!! Casting was spot on for the brothers!! Although I realize the dynamics of brothers are the focal point, I do think the parents could have had a bit more depth. They seemed more like a mirage.
Wow! What a roller coaster of a film! I was totally oblivious to everything else and totally into the experience. Thanks so much!
😭 not me covering my camera at the end so the FBI agent doesn’t see me crying
More please! This was a really good short. I wasn't ready for it to end.
Shows the reality of many narcissistic parents right night living through one child and scapegoating the other…😕
They are bad parents, but not abusive. The parents aren’t narcissistic and were not scapegoating Landon or living through Cal. This is not the reality of people with narcissistic parents. Not even close.
Such a brotherly love ❤️😭 I mean- this guy was so understanding af!!! I really feel alone as a single child now 😂😂
This made me cry.
This was so emotional I literally can't
Family, as complex and dysfunctional as it can be sometimes, is still worth at the very least fighting for until you can't anymore.
I am far past the "can't" phase but I still know there are other people in the world that are mine...flaws and all.
Their parents were the worse version of mine. At least mine bothered to ask me what's happened if something went wrong. They were just attacking Landon without even listening to him.
This was really an excellent short…. I forgot it wasn’t a full movie the acting and everything was the best! Great job!!
Beautiful story. Very touchy and sensitive.
I feel like it's about so much pressure from parents the kids implode. ❣️
What an incredible piece of work and the cast did an outstanding job. One of the best short films I’ve seen in a long time👍🏻😎👍🏻✌🏻🍿
this is so emotional and sweet brotherly love 💗 at its best 😌
this film is beyond stunning.
it is so in my face
so realistic
i am frightened
like this situation happens
Loved this short film. Reminded me of my own brother. Powerful
The drop out part or the supportive part?
@@cahidijoyoraharjo7833 I’d say a bit of everything
Man this comment got me
LMAO
One of the best shorts I’ve seen in a long, long time. Nice!
18:56 It Looks Like An "Dad Gets Angry At Son For Playing PS5"
Touching and awesome short film about this boys, This is what I was looking for and expected :D
THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. Awesome job, everyone.
A brother's approval and acceptance means everything for a young boy. I went through much the same thing and It took 30 years to finally get that acceptance.
I luv siblings who have a connection where no matter what the bond cnt b broken. They may fight n distance themselves at times but in the end a siblings bond is strong
Finally a film with a story line
Thank you for all your hard work, I've been an actor in a few short films before and they are hard to make
Beautiful film. Raw, emotionally connecting and enjoyable!
I almost cried cuz this Story is real it has happen to people and its called INFLUENCE that why u need to care about who u are friends with and who ur talking too.
so intense, well done!
Great merit here. Would like to see you doing a full feature. Well done
Another damn good short film Omeleto. I just want to say I am very proud of how much effort you put into your videos. You are by far the best short film maker :)
I like most Omeleto films as well. They are quality pieces.
Excellent. Many thanks to all involved :-)
My adult sons live with me to this day. Life is too hard and expensive. The times of
get out at 18 are over. Be a family!!!!
for someone who doesn't cry I shed a tear
This is the cutest stuff I've ever seen
That was really raw...
Cal reminds me a lot of Matthew Broderick
this is rodrick rules omeleto version
When they kicked him out I felt so bad. 🥺
Wow, this is the first omeleto movie that really got me experiencing various strong emotions simultaneously!!!!!
Best Omeleto piece I’ve seen yet.
"How'd those eggs taste" was perfectly placed😂
Hi Indy, thank you for this production it has parts of me in it. I am 76 now and times have not always been good. But, not just to me but others as well. Probably my shyness was my biggest problem. Gay rights did not come to Australia, where I have lived since the age of 8, until 1994. Before that time gays were hunted down and beaten even killed on occasions. Of course, they never found out who did it. I was arrested once for being gay and a policeman held a loaded gun to my temple. I did not show any fear. If I had it could have been the end of me. The story of the reason for being arrested is long and involved and I will not mention it here. Anyway, with the gun actually touching my scull I said to the officer holding the gun, "Who is going to clean the blood and brains up in the car if it accidently goes off?" The road was not smooth so it could actually have gone off by him pulling the trigger due to the bouncing of the car. He did lower the gun and started to verbally abuse me. They took me to the station and questioned me, but I just would not say anything. It went to court more than a year later and was thrown out of court due to me and two others having been verballed. Thank you once again for this movie. I actually felt sorry for Landon and wept when his brother wept on Landon's shoulder. I actually thought Landon may also have been gay, but in the closet. One question please. What was it Landon had in the box that he did not want to be broken? I just could not see what it was. Thank you once again. Cheers Odd Steinar♥♥
make a movie i would watch the WHOLE thing even the credits
Great story. Great acting!!
beautiful. 🖤
This is my new netflix.
I can relate to this in so many ways. My parents had unrealistic goals for their kids. Life was all about avoiding them.
Good movie, guys. This was well acted. Thanks
older brother has some Cillian Murphy vibes