Narrator: Funding for "Fine Cut: Festival of Films" is generously provided by The Bridges Larson Foundation.

[Theme music plays] [Upbeat music plays] [Swing jazz music plays] Ezra: Okay.

Let's just go through the plan one more time.

First, we go to the kitchen.

And everybody meets you and instantly falls in love you.

And we start Passover.

We'll read prayers and keep talking to my family or whatever.

My dad is probably gonna make you lead a prayer too, but that's fine because you memorized all the prayers.

Then, me and my brother will help Mom carry her world-famous matzo ball soup to the table.

And you're gonna try and be like, "Holy cow.

This is the greatest soup I've ever had in my life."

Brian: But what if it isn't the greatest soup I've ever had in my life?

Ezra: No, trust me, it will be.

Then, we just eat dinner.

We look for the afikomen, sing some prayers, say goodbye, and leave.

Easy-peasy, in and out.

[Swing jazz music plays] Ezra: Okay.

You got it?

Brian: Yeah.

Ezra: Great.

What?

Brian: I don't know, Ezra.

Why can't we just tell them the truth?

Ezra: We can't, Bri.

My parents need me to date someone Jewish.

They'd freak out if they knew you were Mormon.

Brian: Latter-Day Saint.

Ezra: Whatever.

Just-- let's keep it a secret and we'll be fine.

Okay?

Brian: Okay.

Ezra: What is that?

Brian: Oh, bread pudding for your family.

Ezra: No, no, no.

Bri, Bri.

Brian: Well, it's my mom's recipe, so I figured, you know, that if I... Ezra: It's leavened food.

We can't eat leavened food on Passover, remember?

Brian: Right.

Right, right.

Sorry, sorry.

I--sorry.

It's just that I--I'm, like, really nervous, and I know that you guys have, like, a ton of rules and... Ezra: Hey, hey.

It's okay.

My parents are gonna love you because you're really charming and you're really cute.

Okay?

Look down for me.

All right.

Let's do this.

[Brian exhales] [Keys clank] Aaron: You're Mormon?

[Swing jazz music plays] Ezra: Aaron, please, don't tell Mom.

Aaron: Don't tell her what?

That you've been lying about your boyfriend for six months now?

Brian: Well, seven, actually.

Aaron: Seven months, big deal.

Ezra: No, no.

Seriously, just--come on.

I will literally pay you not to tell Mom.

Aaron: Okay.

Thirty bucks.

Ezra: Fine.

Whatever.

Aaron: For real?

[Ezra scoffs] Aaron: Oh, I'll take whatever you have in your wallet, honestly.

Ezra: Really?

Aaron: I see some 20s.

Ezra: Thirty is all you're getting.

Aaron: Thirty?

Well, I mean, if I could take some of it.

Ezra: No, no, no.

Don't touch... Boris: Aaron, Ezra.

Aaron: Hey.

Hey, Dad.

Ezra: Hey, Dad.

[Dad grunts] [Laughter] Boris: Who's your friend?

Ezra: Uh, yes.

Dad, this is my boyfriend, Brian.

Brian, Dad.

Brian: Nice to meet you.

Boris: Likewise.

You like bourbon?

Brian: Do I like bourbon?

Uh, do I like bourbon?

Uh, it's kinda early.

Uh, I'm an alcoholic.

Boris: Ezra, can I have a word with you for a sec?

I'll--we'll be right back.

Oh, you don't need that.

Come on over here.

Hey.

Aaron: Real smooth.

Boris: You're dating an alcoholic?

Ezra: Well, he went through a rough patch in high school, but he's completely clean now.

And, uh, he just doesn't like to talk about it that much, so-- Boris: Hey, are you sure this is the right guy?

Ezra: Yes, Dad.

Boris: Oh, okay.

Lenore: Hey.

So, you come in, you don't say hi to me?

Ezra: Hey, Mom.

[Grunts] Lenore: So, what are we talking about?

Boris: Ezra's dating an alcoholic.

Lenore: What?

Ezra: Brian is my boyfriend.

Boris: The alcoholic.

Ezra: And you two are gonna be nice to him tonight.

Boris: Of course.

Of course.

Lenore: Oh, okay.

Where did you meet him?

In the alleyway?

Ezra: Oh, my dear Lord.

Lenore: By the dumpster?

Boris: Hmm.

Lenore: Does he have a house or is it a cardboard box?

Hmm?

Ezra: Hey.

Brian: It smells so good.

Man: That looks tough, don't they?

Talia: Okay.

So, Ezra... Ezra: Huh?

Talia: You're, like, gay or whatever.

If you two had a kid, do you think it would be gay, too?

Ezra: What?

Talia: You know, 'cause, like, two gay dads, no mom.

Ezra: I'm not answering that.

Brian: Ezra?

Ezra: Yeah?

Brian: Is your grandpa okay?

Ezra: Yeah.

Don't worry.

He's just homophobic.

Brian: Oh.

Talia: Okay, wait.

So, Ezra, who's on top?

Ezra: Sorry.

Did you say something?

Talia: Ugh.

Aaron: Some grape juice for the Morm--alcoholic.

Oh.

You'll love it.

Brian: Thank you, Aaron.

Boris: All right, everybody.

Page ten, First Cup.

Brian, why don't you lead us in prayer?

Brian: [Chuckles] [Clears throat] [Crickets chirping] Ezra: You got this.

[Brian speaking Hebrew] All: Amen.

Brian: Amen.

[Slurping] [Chuckles] I was thirsty, wasn't I?

Sorry.

[Laughter] Boris: All right.

[Laughter] Aaron: If you're thirsty, have some more.

Brian: Thank you.

Ezra: Oh, no.

Aaron, that's fine.

Aaron: He can have a little more.

Come on.

Just one more cup.

Ezra: Uh, he's full.

Aaron: Just one more cup.

Brian: I'm good.

Thank you.

[Swing jazz music plays] Aaron: It's like two Transformer... Ezra: You're wearing a brand... All: [Speaking foreign language] [Swing jazz music plays] Lenore: [Indistinct] Hey, uh, when you're done with this, come and help me with the soup, okay?

Ezra: Okay.

Yeah.

Lenore: Oh, yeah.

Brian, don't you dare move a muscle.

Brian: No, I wouldn't.

Ezra.

Ezra: Uh, mister?

Brian: Ezra.

Ezra: You almost ready for dinner?

Brian: Oh, I'm ready for something 'cause I love you.

Ezra: Are you okay?

Brian: And I wanna show you how much I love you.

Ezra: Hey, Brian, are you okay?

Brian: I'm great.

Ezra: What the ... is going on?

Brian: I just wanna let you know I love you, and I love your family, and even though your mom scares the crap out of me.

Ezra: Did you drink all this?

Brian: I did.

Ezra: This is-- all this is inside you?

Brian: It's in my belly.

And it feels good.

Ezra: Brian... Brian: That was good.

Ezra: let's go.

Let's go.

Brian: Oh, where are you going?

Ezra: We should go to the bathroom.

Just give you... Brian: You're bad.

Ezra: Let's go.

You wanna-- Brian: You know we're not supposed to do it.

Ezra: Right this way.

Brian: Wait a minute.

Shh.

Hey.

Ezra: Brian.

Brian: He's on top.

Ezra: Let's go.

Look at me.

Brian: but only-- but only 'cause he's... Ezra: Let's go.

Okay.

[Grunts] Brian: But I'm gonna get him.

I'm gonna get him one day.

Ezra: Oh, lovely photos, Brian.

Brian: Where are you taking me?

But look at your lovely face.

Ezra: What happened to you?

You reek of alcohol.

Brian: No.

Ezra: What did you drink?

Brian: What did you drink?

Ezra: The juice.

Lenore: Ezra!

Ezra: Yes.

Uh, Mom, I'll be right there.

Brian: Oh.

Ezra: Brian, please.

Listen to me.

We're gonna go back to the table.

For the rest of the night, water only, understand?

Brian: Why are you giving me another rule?

Ezra: Shh.

Brian: You have all these rules.

Ezra: Brian!

Please.

We can still save this.

We gotta go back.

Just water.

Here.

Look.

Brian: Oh.

Ezra: And if you do this for me, it's gonna be more than a kiss.

Okay?

Brian: Like what?

Ezra: Let's go.

Brian: But like what?

Ezra: It's game time, Bri.

Brian: What's more than a kiss?

Like what?

Ezra: Head over there.

Yeah.

Brian: Oh, yeah.

Ezra: Mmm.

Smells amazing in here.

Did you spike the grape juice?

Aaron: I don't know what you're talking about, dude.

Ezra: Dude.

What the hell, man?

Aaron: You are... Ezra: You know this is important to me.

Aaron: ...freaking out right now.

Ezra: You had my boyfriend drunk.

Aaron: [Chuckles] I got the Mormon drunk, for real?

Lenore: Aaron, Ezra, what are you doing?

Take the soup out to the dining room.

It's getting cold.

Aaron: Yeah.

Lenore: Give Papa his first.

Aaron: Sorry, Mom.

Lenore: Gosh.

Ezra: Smells delicious.

Aaron: Here you go.

Yeah.

[Indistinct chatter] Ezra: Dad.

Boris: Thanks, pal.

Ezra: Here you are.

Nice and hot.

Boris: Appreciate it.

Ezra: Good, everybody?

Brian: [Slurping] This is... the greatest soup I've ever had.

[Laughter] Ezra: The verdict is in.

Boris: I'm glad you like it.

You know, Lenore stayed up half the night to make sure that it was-- Brian: And what is this?

It's, uh, like a noodle, but it's a ball.

I love this and the vegetable is... Boris: I thought he doesn't drink.

Brian: kind of... Ezra: Uh, he doesn't at all.

Boris: Ezra.

Ezra: Actually, only soup when he... [Brian slurping] Boris: He's clearly wasted.

Ezra: No, no.

He--uh, we... Boris: What's going on?

Ezra: Soup.

He's drunk because Aaron spiked the grape juice.

Boris: What?

Aaron: Hey.

I'm not the one who brought a Mormon over to Passover?

Lenore: What?

Ezra!

Can I see you outside for just a moment?

Ezra: Mom.

Uh... Lenore: Right now.

[Ezra sighs] Lenore: Everything's fine.

[Crickets chirping] Ezra: Mom.

I'm sorry.

Lenore: You're dating a Mormon?

Ezra: Latter-Day Saint.

Lenore: Whatever.

Ezra: I just didn't want you to freak out.

Lenore: Freak out?

Freak out?

I thought I was so clear about my expectations.

If your grandmother was still alive to see this, she would be so disappointed.

Brian: Oh, no.

Thank you.

I can't-- Lenore: You said that they're weird.

And I knew-- Ezra: But... Lenore: But why couldn't you say that [Indistinct] the men in the temple.

You could've--oh, God.

How many wives are you--no, how many husbands are you going to have?

[Gasps] Is Brian gonna have a bunch of husbands?

Brian: So, did you catch Niners game?

Lenore: I have one word for you and it's smegma.

Understand, Ezra?

Ezra!

Ezra: I don't want you guys to hate Brian just because... Lenore: Huh?

Ezra: he's Mormon.

Lenore: No.

Ezra: He's more than Mormon, Mom.

Lenore: No.

It's 'cause you lied to us, Ezra!

Ezra: Yes--no.

I mean, no, I just--I thought that you could be happy for me.

Lenore: Ezra, I am happy for you.

Are you kidding me?

Look at my face.

I'm happy for you.

I love you, okay?

That's my happy face.

I can't help it.

I just--when you do stupid ... like this.

[Grunts] I just really wanted you to end up with someone Jewish, and that was--[Sighs].

Nah.

[Scoffs] You love him and--yeah.

He makes you happy, huh?

He's a nice kid.

Hmm, you're killing me.

All right.

Ezra: Thank you.

Lenore: No Christmas, okay?

Ezra: No, definitely not.

[Lenore sighs] Ezra: God forbid, right?

Lenore: Good boy.

[Lenore sighs] Ezra: Brian?

Brian: And he... Ezra: Bri... Brian: run back like that.

Ezra: Let's go.

We're leaving.

Brian: And he was-- I was like, "He's gonna throw the ball."

[Papa laughs] Brian: But he did not.

He ran down the thing, touch down, crowd went nuts, Grandpa.

[Papa laughs] Brian: Brock Purdy.

Ezra: Watch your step.

Get this.

Ugh.

Are you okay?

Brian: Uh-hmm.

Ezra: All right.

Go.

I'll meet you at the car, okay?

Aaron: Push pop pudding.

Ezra: Isn't that leavened food?

Aaron: Your boyfriend's actually pretty chill.

Ezra: ... off, dude.

[Brian vomits] [Swing jazz music plays] [Upbeat music plays] [Ominous music plays] Demon: [Indistinct] Co-pilot: Lily, they haven't had dinner yet?

You should serve them now.

We're entering a storm.

Are you okay?

Lily: Uh, yeah.

I'm fine.

Uh-hmm.

Co-pilot: Have a coffee or something.

Lily: [Scoffs] Coffee.

[Dramatic music plays] [Thunder rumbling] Co-pilot: Oh, my God.

Pilot: Relax.

I've flown through worse.

[Dramatic music plays] Peter: It's not just the big moments that affect change.

It's the small ones as well.

The ones where we have a cup of tea.

We break bread.

We're aware of our differences, but we promote unity.

Am I right, Ibrahim?

[Thunder rumbling] Ibrahim: To say and to do are two different things.

[Phone beeps] Peter: Come on, man.

Miracles happen every day.

Ibrahim: In the age of prophets, not anymore.

Peter: This time, it's gonna be different.

It's all over the news, all over social media, all of the major promoters are gonna be there.

This may be our last time to show the world our shared humanity and set the example.

Ibrahim: Our shared humanity?

Peter, we've been to how many peace summits now.

Six?

Nothing will change.

You're delusional if you think that we can blindly agree to your ineffectual statement.

Even Samuel agrees.

Samuel: Samuel agrees.

Oh, Samuel agrees, mazel tov.

What is it that Samuel agrees with?

Ibrahim: That this is our last peace summit.

Peter: Whoa.

Samuel: I thought we agreed not to discuss this 'til after the event.

Peter: What are you talking about?

After all the work we've done?

Samuel: Oh, we've done nothing, Peter, nothing but debate, argue.

It's okay for us, uh, not to see eye to eye.

[Lily moaning] Demon: [Indistinct] Peter: All right.

Let's just find some common ground so we can start our panel discussions off properly.

We all agree we believe in God.

Ibrahim, you will also state that you believe in Jesus Christ.

Ibrahim: But this time, I'll need to clarify to the audience that Jesus is not the son of God.

And God has no equals.

Samuel: Please, you both believe in our Torah, yet you overlook the fact that Jesus is--well, he doesn't qualify as Moshiach.

The real Moshiach is-- Ibrahim: We believe in the original version of Torah, not the tampered version we have now, as I've said before.

Samuel: How dare you say that to me?

Your Quran is basically a copy of our Torah.

Peter: And our Gospels.

Ibrahim: Yes, the accurate one.

Peter: Well, you guys are a little too verbose.

Samuel: Oh, we both are?

Peter: You talk a little bit too much.

If I have to [Indistinct] Ibrahim: I--when I started to point the-- Peter: There is a time-- Ibrahim: The last peace summit, you cut me off.

Samuel: Oh, this.

I am starving.

Uh, pardon me.

Dear, I think you switched meals.

Uh, I ordered the Kosher meal.

Now, this looks like his vegetarian meal.

[Lily panting] Samuel: Ma'am?

[Indistinct whispering] Samuel: Ma'am.

Peter: Your nose.

[Dramatic music plays] Ibrahim: I reserved it first.

Muslims can only eat Kosher and Halal.

Samuel: Are you kidding me?

We, Jews, invented Kosher.

Just take the vegetarian option.

Ibrahim: I'd rather starve.

Samuel: Works for me.

Peter: Maybe today is the day, huh?

I got pork.

Ibrahim: Don't you dare point that filth at me.

[Scoffs] Samuel: I'm gonna murder this bladder.

This is isn't over.

[Thunder rumbling] [Lily panting] [Gasps] Samuel: Uh, I'm so sorry.

I need the toilet.

[Dramatic music plays] Peter: What the hell?

Ibrahim: [Speaking foreign language] What's wrong with you?

[Demon laughs] Peter: Ma'am, are you okay?

Lily: Um... Peter: Are you okay, ma'am?

Lily: No.

Help me.

[Ibrahim speaking foreign language] Pilot: It's fine.

[Demon growls] [Dramatic music plays] Peter: We need to tie her down.

[Dramatic music plays] [Demon growls] Peter: Go, go, go.

Samuel: Oh, God.

I'm so sorry.

Uh, are you all right?

Peter: No.

Tie her.

Samuel: What are you guys doing?

Peter: Do you know how to tie?

Samuel: Did you just-- Peter: Can you--come on.

Ibrahim: No, no, no.

Samuel: You people lost your mind?

What are you doing?

Peter: Okay.

Here we go.

Samuel: [Indistinct] I know how to deal with this.

This is called a dybbuk spirit.

Peter: No, this is a demon.

Ibrahim: It's a jinn demon.

Only the words of the Qur'an can burn it.

Peter: Here, take a video of it.

This will go viral.

[Demon growls] Peter: In the name-- Samuel: Don't invoke the name of a false messiah.

Peter: What are you doing?

Samuel: If she's really possessed, it might only strengthen the demonic spirit inside her.

Peter: Samuel, give me the cross.

Samuel: No, Peter.

Listen to me.

The Tanakh says we need to know the demon's name to control it.

[Ibrahim speaking foreign language] Peter: I'm not playing with you.

Give me the cross!

Samuel: No, you listen to me first, Peter.

[Peter grunts] Samuel: We need to know the demon's name in order to control it.

That's the only way!

Peter: I'm not playing games with you.

[Samuel grunts] Peter: Hey, hey!

Where is it?

[Ibrahim speaking foreign language] [Demon growls] [Ibrahim grunts] [Samuel speaking foreign language] Co-pilot: What the hell?

Samuel: [Speaking foreign language] I assure you, God, bring forth the demon and come to tame this poor flight attendant.

Give me the name of the demon.

The circle that I've made in your honor.

[Demon growls] Samuel: Give me the name!

[Demon growls] Samuel: What?

Demon: Al-Ahmar!

[Screams] [Samuel screams] Ibrahim: The ice bucket.

[Demon laughs] [Dramatic music plays] [Samuel screams] Peter: In the name of Jesus Christ, I rebuke, I bind, I cast out all anti-prayer demons.

I rebuke you!

I cast you out!

[Thunder rumbling] [Warning indicator beeps] [Dramatic music plays] Pilot: We have some strong headwinds pushing it down.

Co-pilot: I can't tell what it is.

[Thunder rumbling] Peter: I bind you.

I rebuke you.

[Demon growls] Co-pilot: Oh, my God.

The panel's gone off.

Pilot: I need to focus.

Co-pilot: How can I do anything if I can't see what these gauges say?

Pilot: Shut up and let me focus.

Co-pilot: Oh, my God.

We're gonna die.

[Thunder rumbling] Peter: I rebuke and bind you all anti-prayer demons.

I rebuke you!

[Chuckles] Yeah.

I rebuke you.

Cast out all anti-prayer demons... in the name of Jesus.

[Screams] Samuel: Peter.

Ibrahim: Peter.

Samuel: Take it out.

[Peter screams] [Warning indicator beeps] Co-pilot: We're losing oxygen?

Samuel: Are you all right?

Ibrahim: Where is she?

Pilot: Lily!

[Screams] Ibrahim: Oh, my God.

Pilot: She killed him.

She's taking over the plane.

[Glass breaking] Samuel: What do we do now?

Peter: We need to finish the exorcism.

Samuel: It's not gonna work, Peter.

I don't even know the demon's name.

Ibrahim: Al-Ahmar.

Samuel: What?

Ibrahim: The demon's name, it's Al-Ahmar.

He's a prince in Satan's army.

Peter: Prince in Satan's army?

We're gonna die.

Ibrahim: Miracles happen, remember?

Samuel: Let's all do this.

Ibrahim: Together.

[Dramatic music plays] Samuel: Hey, Al-Ahmar, you ... Ibrahim: Samuel, get back!

Peter: Samuel!

[Thunder rumbling] [Dramatic music plays] [Samuel speaking foreign language] [Ibrahim speaking foreign language] Peter: Give us this day our daily bread.

[Samuel speaking foreign language] Peter: On Earth as it is heaven.

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those... [Thunder rumbling] [Pilot groans] [Warning indicator beeps] Automated voice: Pull up.

Pull up [Demon growls] [Indistinct chatter] [Thunder rumbling] [Samuel speaking foreign language] [Ibrahim speaking foreign language] Peter: Deliver us from evil, thine is the kingdom.

[Demon growls] [Samuel speaking foreign language] [Ibrahim speaking foreign language] Peter: The power and the glory forever.

[Thunder rumbling] Peter: Amen.

Samuel: Amen.

Ibrahim: Amyn.

Peter: Together.

Amen.

Samuel: Oh, is she okay?

[Lily panting] [Dramatic music plays] [Pilot panting] Peter: Are you okay?

Lily: Yeah.

Yeah.

I'm okay.

Pilot: This is your captain speaking.

I don't know what the ... just happened, but if anyone's still alive back there, please fasten your seatbelts.

We're landing soon.

Ibrahim: Oh.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

[Laughter] [Upbeat music plays] ["Toccata and Fugue in D minor" plays] [Church bell dinging] [Kid gasps] Librarian: Shh!

[Funky music playing] [Kid panting] Phew.

[Humming] Oh.

[Suspenseful music playing] [Kid screams] Librarian: Shh!

Kid: Huh?

[Light switch clicks] [Kid gasps] [Light switch clicks] [Orchestra music playing] [Children screaming] [Orchestral music playing] [Light switch clicks] Kid: Whoa.

[Church bell dinging] [Upbeat music playing] [Woman singing in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] [Paula in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] Paula: No.

[In Spanish] [Celia laughs] Paula: Rawr.

[Laughter] [Paula in Spanish] [Singer singing in Spanish] [Glasses clink] [Upbeat music playing] [Singer singing in Spanish] [Woman in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Indistinct chatter] [Man in Spanish] [Woman in Spanish] [Indistinct chatter] [Martin in Spanish] [Upbeat music playing] [Martin in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Martin in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Martin in Spanish] [Singer singing in Spanish] [Paula screams] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Paula in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Romantic music playing] [Martin in Spanish] [Paula in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] [Paula in Spanish] [Man in Spanish] [Paula in Spanish] [Man speaking in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] [Romantic music playing] [Celia in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Celia in Spanish] [Laughter] [Celia in Spanish] [Gasps] [Woman speaking Spanish] [Yiyo speaking Spanish] [Woman speaking Spanish] [Yiyo speaking Spanish] [Martin in Spanish] Yiyo: Celia!

Celia!

[Woman speaking Spanish] [Martin speaking Spanish] [Upbeat music playing] Celia: Yiyo.

[In Spanish] [Yiyo in Spanish] [Singer singing in Spanish] [Upbeat music playing] [Singer singing in Spanish] [Paula in Spanish] [Martin in Spanish] [Paula laughs] [In Spanish] Martin: Ah.

[Upbeat music playing] [Owl hooting] Narrator: On this particular trek into the wild, we visit Nicole.

Her Latin name, the single romanticus, is a calculated opponent to her potential mates.

As in any mating ritual, Nicole must look presentable to attract the opposite sex.

And because Nicole desires a mate for life, she must bring her A-game to "get a player to commit."

A playful touch of the jewelry is important.

Human males are attracted to shiny objects.

Barista: For Gabe.

Gabe: Thank you.

Narrator: She's ready to strike.

Nicole: Ugh.

Gabe: Ooh, man.

You all right?

Nicole: I'm fine.

I'm fine.

Gabe: Cool.

[Wooden chairs clattering] Nicole: What are you watching?

Gabe: Oh, just a Fortnite thing.

Narrator: She starts to reconsider her advances.

Gabe: Yeah.

I'm just watching because my little brother plays.

It's a way for us to spend time together, you know.

Narrator: Her prowl resumes.

Nicole: It's Gabe, right?

I heard the barista say it.

Gabe: Yeah.

Nicole: I'm Nicole.

[Bell dings] [Upbeat music playing] Nicole: So, how old is your little brother?

Gabe: Huh?

Narrator: Unfortunately, she fails to seal the deal, foiled once again by objects shinier than she.

[Lion growls] [Indigenous music playing] Alexis: You're gonna spill it.

Franny: I'm not gonna spill it.

Alexis: You're gonna spill it.

Franny: I'm not gonna spill it.

Narrator: Licking her wounds, Nicole returns to her pack.

[Nicole deep breaths] Alexis: Didn't go well?

Franny: Going to a coffee shop for the sole purpose of meeting guys is a new level of sad.

Nicole: How am I supposed to meet anybody now that we've graduated?

Franny: You're supposed to be looking for a job.

But beyond that, you know what I'm gonna say about guys... Both: you gotta get on the apps.

Nicole: I'm not getting on the apps.

Franny: Then let's go out.

We can go to a club.

Nicole: No clubs.

I'm supposed to meet my soulmate while he's wasted and grinding up on me?

Alexis: She's got a point.

Franny: It could happen.

Alexis: Oh, jeez.

Okay.

Honestly, maybe your expectations are a little too high.

I think its super sweet that you're such a romantic, but like-- Franny: But are you still trying to force meet-cutes instead of just talking to a guy?

Nicole: I pretended to trip over his table so he would help me up.

[Franny laughs] Alexis: Have you ever thought of just asking a guy out instead of waiting for him to do it?

Franny: Yeah, like instead of just giving him the googly eyes, you can walk up and ask him.

Alexis: Wait, what was that?

Franny: The googly eyes.

The googly eyes where she trips and falls over his table.

[Giggles] Nicole: Fine.

But I need my wing women.

Franny: I told you, you were gonna-- Alexis: You spilled it.

Franny: You bumped into me.

You knew I was holding it.

Narrator: With this new pack-hunting approach, Nicole readies herself for another mating attempt.

As the trio stalks their prey, there is a narrowing process known as mate choice.

Franny: Pass.

Narrator: Basically, they have to filter out all the uglies.

Alexis: Jeez, Franny.

Be nice.

Franny: He looks like a Muppet.

[Dog barks] Alexis: Ooh, he seems nice.

Franny: He looks like he would like talk to your hoo-ha before going down on you.

You know what I mean?

Nicole: Like, talking into a microphone?

Franny: Yeah.

Alexis: Hmm.

Nicole: Still gonna go for it.

Both: I would.

Narrator: Oftentimes, males will use canine companions to attract females, a form of deception that makes a male seem more charming than he actually is.

Nicole: Your dog is so cute.

What's their name?

Oh, my God.

[Upbeat music playing] Narrator: Superior intelligence can be a great quality in a mate.

Nicole: Chess is such an interesting game.

So much technique and strategy.

I have my own set.

The pieces have little magnets so that I don't lose them.

Narrator: That is, if you can get their attention.

Nicole: You know, you're both so entranced in the game.

I'll leave you to it.

[Dimitri in foreign language] [Peter foreign language] [Upbeat music playing] Nicole: Are you tired?

Because you've been running through my mind all day.

Narrator: As Nicole's situation worsens, concerns grow about her developing into the female incel, or femcel.

[Upbeat music playing] [Nicole panting] Jake: Are you okay?

Nicole: How do you like to be flirted with?

Jake: Uh-- Nicole: Because I'm tired of trying to figure it out, so just tell me what I have to do to get your attention.

Jake: I mean, what you're doing right now is pretty good.

[Laughs] Um, a lot of guys are probably intimidated by you.

Nicole: Oh.

Jake: No, uh, it's not a bad thing and it shouldn't be, but some guys are insecure like that.

I think it's hot.

Nicole: I'm Nicole.

Jake: Jake.

So, Nicole, do I have to ask you out on a date, or... do you wanna take the lead on that, too?

Nicole: How does Friday sound?

Narrator: Success.

Nicole moves onto the next stage of mating, pair bonding.

We happen upon the interested parties mid-bond, observe the male.

Colloquially known as peacocking, he overdresses to impress his female.

[Laughter] Jake: You look really nice, by the way.

Nicole: Oh, thank you.

And you look great, too.

I love that necklace.

Jake: Oh, it's a chain.

Nicole: Oh, right.

Sorry.

Chain.

Jake: Yeah.

[Gulps] Jake: So, what's next for you now that you've graduated?

Nicole: Oh, well, I'm on a job hunt right now.

The dream is to work for a non-profit, just something to make the world a better place, you know.

Like... I've always thought if you can help other people, why wouldn't you?

Jake: I'm thinking about becoming a rapper.

Nicole: Oh?

Narrator: The male flaunts his car, known as a sexual ornament, used to increase attractiveness and boost his already high ego.

Jake: Ah, this is me.

[Chuckles] So, uh, I had a good time tonight.

Nicole: Yeah, me too.

Jake: You're on birth control, right?

Nicole: What did you just ask me?

Jake: See, I'm not really a condom guy.

Nicole: You wanna, uh, uh, in the backseat of your car?

Jake: Uh, yeah.

I just assumed you'd put out, you know, you seem so desperate asking guys out the way that you were.

Narrator: Apparently, the male counterpart has only been interested in sexual selection.

Nicole: I thought this was, like, a real date.

[Scoffs] Yeah, sure.

[Laughs] Yeah.

Oh, God, I gotta get back on the apps.

[Car engine starts] Singer: [Indistinct] [Nicole sobbing] Narrator: In response to her mate rejection, Nicole recuperates and self-soothes.

[Nicole sobbing] [Knock on door] Both: Hey.

Franny: How's your porn?

Nicole: I'm only 200 pages away from the sex.

Franny: Hmm.

Sounds worth it.

Alexis: I'm sorry your date went so bad.

Nicole: I thought he really liked me.

Franny: Did you like him?

Nicole: Well, yeah.

He seemed like the type of guy who wouldn't complain about picking me up from the airport.

Alexis: Did he actually seem like that, or did you just want him to be like that?

Nicole: I don't know.

Maybe I just wanted him to be like that.

It was so bad.

I had to Uber because he left me there.

[Franny laughs] Alexis: Hey, that is not funny.

Nicole: It is.

It's funny.

[Laughs] Franny: It's funny.

Alexis: Well, I'm glad you can laugh about it.

Franny: That sucks, though.

I'm sorry that happened.

Alexis: It does suck.

Nicole: It's okay.

Narrator: While Nicole has thankfully avoided the mate Jake, she realizes an adaptation must occur in her mating approach.

[Doorbell rings] Jonathan: Here you go.

Damn, girl, you're looking good tonight.

Hey, I'm up in 30 minutes in case you wanna-- wait, what are you doing, lady?

Narrator: Having learned that a male cannot be who she wants him to be, Nicole isn't trying to force mating encounters anymore.

[Nicole sighs] Picturing how cute our babies would be, so I shut it down.

It'll happen when it happens.

Franny: Who are you?

Alexis: Wait, do you feel all right?

Franny: Who is this in our house right now?

Alexis: I don't know.

Nicole: Guys, I'm fine.

Franny: I feel like I'm in Twilight Zone.

Alexis: I am so proud of you.

Nicole: Thank you.

Narrator: Ending her mating season by choice, Nicole focuses on herself, too.

Girl boss and slay.

After all, platonic mates are the most valuable to have.

All: ♪ Keep on ♪ ♪ Running around ♪ ♪ Keep on running around ♪ ♪ Prove it to me ♪ ♪ That I'm better off ♪ ♪ Without you now ♪ ♪ Keep me out of your head ♪ ♪ Every word that you said ♪ ♪ Keep on showing me ♪ ♪ I'm better without you ♪ ♪ La, la, la, la, la ♪ ♪ La, la, la, la ♪ ♪ I'm so better off... ♪ Narrator: And becoming a respected member of a pack is important for any animal.

[Laptop keyboard clicking] [Nicole sighs] [Knock on door] Daniel: Uh, hi.

I'm Daniel from IT.

You needed some help with your computer?

Nicole: Oh, yeah.

I'm Nicole.

Nice to meet you.

Daniel: Oh, I know.

I actually, um, saw your presentation earlier.

And it was really impressive.

Nicole: Oh, thank you.

Daniel: Show me?

Nicole: Oh, yeah.

So, since the presentation, every time I try to go on this guy, it freezes like--sorry.

Daniel: Sorry.

Yeah.

Uh, do you mind?

Nicole: Uh-hmm.

Daniel: Uh, usually when you run... Narrator: What's this?

There's a familiar twinkle in Nicole's eyes.

Daniel: See that.

There you go.

Nicole: Thank you.

Daniel: Yeah.

Oh.

Um, was there anything else?

Nicole: Uh, no.

But, uh, do you have, like, a business card or anything in case I need you for IT stuff?

Daniel: I'm right down the hall.

Nicole: Do you want to get a drink after work today?

Daniel: A drink?

Can we get ice cream instead?

Narrator: I think it's safe to say that this will be Nicole's final hunt.

[Lion growls] [Upbeat music playing] Singer: ♪ You always said I wouldn't Make it happen I heard you said I couldn't Said I'd need time Turned backwards But look at me now Up here on the clouds Can't see You're too far down Keep on running around Keep on running around Prove it to me That I'm better off Without you now Keep me out of your head Every word... ♪ [Upbeat music playing] [Suspenseful music playing] [Sensual music playing] [Upbeat music playing] Narrator: Funding for "Fine Cut: Festival of Films" is generously provided by The Bridges Larson Foundation.