IndieWire After Dark Recommends Tom Noonan's 1994 Cult Dating Film 'What Happened Was'
By
Ryan Lattanzio
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
IndieWire After Dark highlights the 1994 cult indie film 'What Happened Was,' directed by Tom Noonan, as a cringe-inducing exploration of a disastrous first date. The article positions the film as a blend of 'Before Sunrise' and David Lynch, capturing the horror of dating where vulnerability and performance collide. It serves as a midnight movie recommendation for cult film fans, examining why this obscure, uncomfortable dating drama remains relevant and worth watching.
Key quotes
· 3 pulled'Before Sunrise' Meets David Lynch in the Creepiest First Date Movie Ever Made
'What Happened Was' captures the horror of dating, where vulnerability and performance collide
A cringe-inducing 1994 indie, 'What Happened Was' reminds cult film fans why dating is hell
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