Jake is a neurotic young man who is persuaded by his friend Sean to leave his hometown to live in the big city. Sean is an eccentric poet who survives by swindling inexperienced customers on Craigslist. Upon arriving, Jake finds that Sean has disappeared and – alone, jobless, homeless, and broke – he struggles to fit into the city’s bleak, nocturnal landscape. Through riveting phone conversations the details of Jake’s strained relationships with distant friends, former lovers, and forgotten family are revealed.
Filmed in a stark monochrome against a backdrop of recession stricken America, I PLAY WITH THE PHRASE EACH OTHER is the first feature film composed entirely of cell phone calls (and was shot on an iPhone). In it screenwriter and director Jay Alvarez, along with his talented ensemble cast, has created a world that is both familiar and completely fantastical.
I PLAY WITH THE PHRASE EACH OTHER is written and directed by Jay Alzarez. It stars Will Hand, Jay Alvarez, Megan Kopp, and Alexander Fraser. Producers are Jay Alvarez, Ray Callaway, and Megan Kopp. Original music is by Evyn Oliver. Cinematography and editing are by Ray Callaway.
I PLAY WITH THE PHRASE EACH OTHER will have its North American premiere in competition at the Slamdance Film Festival after a critically acclaimed debut at London’s Raindance Film Festival in October.