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A date goes wrong. Crawford is waiting for his first date with Angela at a local pub. He's excited but very nervous, on account of his prominent front teeth. Crawford makes awkward jokes, and the conversation takes a while to get going, but eventually Angela and Crawford start enjoying themselves. But Angela herself has something she feels awkward about as well. When a misunderstanding occurs, a mix-up happens and their self-confidence stumbles, Crawford and Angela's date goes awry. But as they reckon with their insecurities, they just might find their way out of the tangle back to one another. Directed by Brendan Cleaves and written by Brendan Cleaves and Joe Holweger, this whimsical, off-kilter short romantic comedy revels in the oddities and quirks of being human, as two people -- misfits in their own ways -- come together, despite a bevy of mishaps and misadventures. The charmingly convoluted plot takes pleasure in piling up mix-ups and peccadilloes, shaking them up like a cocktail and then watching chaos ensue. But the narrative high-wire juggling act also has emotional resonance, attentive to the vulnerabilities and insecurities of its main characters as they go about the business of finding love and connection. The first-date scenario is a classic situation in romantic comedy, but it's made fresh here through its unabashedly eccentric characters and an aesthetic that is whimsical and seedy at once. The camera often frames its subjects to emphasize a slightly freaky dimension, but they often quickly become endearing, thanks to a set of performances that play up awkward humor and genuine feeling. Played by actor Joe Holweger, Crawford is first noticeable for his exuberantly protruding teeth and general air of unkemptness, and he's often self-conscious and awkward. But his interactions reveal him to be kind and sensitive, albeit a little rough around the edges. Angela, played by actor Philippa Cole, seems sweetly normal at first, but she has her own insecurities as well. The humor comes from the characters trying to hide and navigate these sources of self-consciousness; throw in some equally distinctive side characters and a few farcical misunderstandings, and they collide into a classic comedic pile-up. It also propels Crawford and Angela into a sweet conclusion that's endearing, funny and still true to the film's eccentric, slightly surreal yet kindhearted tone. It's a happy ending, but what makes ANGELA genuinely resonant is watching how its characters soldier on through complications and perceived flaws, accepting themselves and others in all their odd glory. We are all freaks in our way, deeply human and deeply weird. As generous of spirit as its characters, ANGELA celebrates this, making happiness and acceptance a possibility for everyone, no matter what flag you fly. ANGELA. Courtesy of Brendan Cleaves at https://instagram.com/angela.comedyfilm.