Terry Goon is keeping strict quarantine in his ex-husband’s Brooklyn brownstone while caring for his nephew — a 19-year-old model from Morocco named Bahlul — bedridden in a full leg cast after an electric scooter accident. Unfortunately for Terry, everyone in his life wants to meet the model. STRESS POSITIONS is as much a finely tuned time capsule of the frantic fear and formative power of the pandemic as it is a road map out of dark places guided by a profound humanity. A careful balance between a consistent, razor-sharp humor and the development of a distinctive cinematic tone creates a particular mood and energy that is not easily forgotten. Theda Hammel once again proves herself to be a prolific powerhouse with her directorial debut. Hammel’s clever script, energetic performance, confident directorial style, and beautifully crafted score come together in an exciting whirl of charisma and social commentary. John Early delivers a hilariously tense performance among a talented young cast. (Synopsis from the Sundance Film Festival 2024)
“The film might be the first genuinely enjoyable film made about the pandemic… [Theda] Hammel and frequent collaborator [John] Early firmly put their queer generation in the hot seat. They start with themselves and then make fun of everyone else. No topic is above making fun of.” —Murtada Elfadl, Variety
“John Early is brilliant in a COVID comedy that sees millennials for who they really are.” —IndieWire
“The film’s dialogue crackles with nervy life, reveling in the self-absorbed toxicity of the characters… A sharp and funny analysis of modern discontent and the pandemonium that it breeds.” —Steven Scaife, Slant Magazine