What Happened Was...

In the 1994 independent film What Happened Was..., audiences are taken on an intimate and thought-provoking journey through one tumultuous night in the lives of two coworkers, Michael (played by Tom Noonan) and Jackie (played by Karen Sillas). Michael and Jackie work together in an ordinary office building, but they are anything but ordinary people.

The film begins with a series of uncomfortably long shots, allowing the audience to observe the solitary lives of both Michael and Jackie. Michael is a quiet and reserved man with a painful past, while Jackie is a talkative and vivacious woman with secrets of her own. The tension between them is immediate and palpable, as they engage in awkward small talk and forced conversation.

As the film progresses, the audience begins to see cracks in the facade of Michael and Jackie's seemingly normal lives. Michael struggles with mental health issues and the trauma of his childhood, while Jackie is dealing with the fallout of a previous relationship. The two of them share a deep loneliness that they attempt to mask with surface-level interactions and a shared sense of humor.

Slowly, the layers of their personalities are peeled back as the night progresses. They share drinks and food, discussing everything from past relationships to their favorite television shows. The dialogue is natural and unscripted, creating a sense of realness and authenticity that is rare in most modern films.

Tensions rise as they broach heavier topics, such as religion and politics. The camera often lingers on each character's face as the other speaks, creating a sense of intimacy that draws the audience in.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of unease that grows between Michael and Jackie. As the night wears on, their conversations become more intense and personal. The audience is left wondering if something romantic will blossom between the two of them, or if their connection is purely platonic.

What Happened Was... is a hauntingly beautiful film that delves deep into the human psyche. It explores themes such as loneliness, mental illness, relationships, and trauma in a way that feels raw and unapologetic. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994, solidifying its place as a timeless classic. However, due to its limited release, it remains a hidden gem for most movie-goers.

At its core, the film is a character study of two people who are desperately searching for a human connection in a world that often feels cold and unfeeling. The chemistry between Tom Noonan and Karen Sillas is electric, creating a sense of tension that is almost palpable. Director Tom Noonan expertly weaves together elements of dark comedy and drama, making the film both engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, What Happened Was... is a film that speaks to the human condition in a way that few movies do. It takes a deep dive into the psyche of its characters, leaving the audience pondering life's most profound questions. Whether you're in the mood for a dark comedy, a character study, or a thought-provoking drama, this film is sure to leave a lasting impact.