Cast
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Jon Lindstrom
as Paul
Chris Murrah
as Andy
Natalia Cigliuti
as Roz
Darrin Baker
as Harry
Michael Blaustein
as Robbie
David J. Bonner
as Chip
Wendie Malick
as Elise
Christina Broccolini
as Sam
Camille
as Mrs. Grecco
Janet Carroll
as Gloria
Rappin' 4-Tay
as Driver (as Anthony Forte)
Bruce Campbell
as Hot Park Guy
Benjamin T. Cook
as Young Andy
Jason Lee Courson
as Florist
Kimberly S. Fairbanks
as Claire
Crew
Director
- Jay Arnold
Writer
- Thom Cardwell
- Jay Arnold
Reviews
CinemaSerf
How come I never go for a walk in the park and meet an eligible CEO who is just about to sell his company? Well that’s what happens when the young “Andy” (Chris Murrah) is sitting on a bench with his dog and he is joined by “Paul” (Jon Lindstrom) who has just acquired his new pup and they duly bond over doggie stories. Over a period of time, they begin to get to know each other and we quickly establish the former is a gay lad whilst the latter is constantly being harangued by his sister “Elise” (Wendie Malick) to meet a nice lady. The more she pushes, the more he finds himself drawn to his new young friend but having been so dedicated on his business for his life so far, has he the faintest idea how the whole courting game works - boy or girl? It’s got the look of a television movie about it from start to finish, has some terribly cheesy dialogue and is about as predicable as the sun coming up in Jamaica - except possibly, for Malick who brings a little hutzpah to this otherwise routine drama. It does focus a little on age-gap politics, and on assumptions ill-informed people can jump to but sadly it does nothing particularly originally and leaves us with little of substance. Daytime fodder, sorry.
Apr 16, 2025
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, What Happens Next examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jay Arnold brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of What Happens Next took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.2 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1958 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While What Happens Next shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Paths, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, What Happens Next offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Running with Scissors and Transamerica explore similar territory, What Happens Next stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 27, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $200,000
