Charlie is a young college student living in New York City and studying visual arts. But the aspiring artist is struggling with motivation and discipline and finds it hard to connect with others in real life. Looking for inspiration on social media, Charlie comes across the work of Sam, a mysterious photographer living in Australia. Charlie sends a message, and they develop a rapport over DMs and texts, realising they have much in common and enjoy communicating together.

Soon Charlie is falling in love with Sam -- not realizing that Sam is falling in love with someone else offline. Sam, too, has issues, particularly as a Deaf person who doesn't want to reveal that to the world. But when the pair meet in real life, the truth comes out, threatening the relationship between them.

Written & Directed by Lily Drummond

Produced by Lily Drummond & Payton Hogan

Starring Jeremy Lowrenčev and Shabana Azeez

Featuring artworks by Briannah Puckridge

Music by Ashton Fraser

From omeleto 

Directed and written by Lily Drummond, this warmly affecting short drama is infused with a very modern sense of romanticism, from the lovely clarity of its bright, luminous images to the joyful, fizzy excitement that comes from finding someone we connect with. But romance here isn't confined to a traditional love relationship. Through its emotionally immersive storytelling and its uncommon depth, the film extols the idea that our soulmates are those who help us grow into ourselves, helping us become more fully who we are.

The writing juggles both Charlie and Sam's stories, giving both full arcs and richly drawn characters. Both grapple with real-life challenges -- Charlie is an outcast and Sam is struggling with revealing he is deaf to both his online following and his burgeoning crush. Balancing two protagonists is ambitious for a short, but the structure works because of its focus on how Charlie and Sam affect one another, as their words to one another onscreen cause them to reflect, take risks or expand in their offscreen lives. Actors Jeremy Lowrencev and Shabana Azeez as Sam and Charlie, respectively, shine in their individual stories, offering engaging, truthful performances that make us care for each character.

The story's toggling between online vs. offline lives is a key source of tension and insight, showing how we can explore and express online the aspects of ourselves that don't get much space in "real life." But it's also aware that what we don't see online is just as important and impactful. When Sam and Charlie finally meet in person, it both confirms their deep bond and complicates their evolving relationship, especially as Sam realizes the cost of hiding certain parts of his identity out of insecurity. He realizes that he can't hide anymore, thanks to his relationship with Charlie -- and must embrace all of himself for a fuller emotional life.

"Illustrating Sam Newton" features two artists as main characters, and ultimately, the idea of creation -- of both their work and their selves -- is what connects them, along with deep care and regard for the other. They also both learn the value of transparency and honesty. It's not about oversharing; it's about honoring essential aspects of ourselves, even the parts we want to hide out of insecurity or fear of judgment. With the help of those who see us for who we are and love us for it, we can grow into these parts and learn to stand fully in our authenticity.

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