Drama,Comedy,Romance
United States of America
What Happened Was... is a 1994 independent film, written and directed by Tom Noonan, who also starred in the film alongside Karen Sillas. The film is a two-character study that follows two coworkers, Jackie and Michael, that decide to meet at Jackie's for dinner one night. Throughout the evening, they engage in a series of increasingly uncomfortable and revealing conversations, exploring their personal and professional lives, their hopes and fears, and their feelings for each other.
As the night progresses, it becomes clear that Jackie and Michael have very different outlooks on life and that their relationship is complicated by their unresolved emotions. Jackie is an introverted and sensitive woman who is distrustful of men and still processing the trauma of past relationships. Michael, on the other hand, is a charismatic and confident man who struggles to connect with his emotions and feels pressured to conform to societal expectations of success and masculinity.
Their conversation takes unexpected turns as they delve into topics such as sexuality, religion, and death, revealing their hidden desires and vulnerabilities. As tensions rise, the characters struggle to understand each other and themselves, leading to both moments of humor and deep sadness.
The film was hailed for its intimate and realistic portrayal of human relationships, and Noonan's subtle direction and performances from both actors were praised for creating a deeply affecting portrait of two people struggling to connect in a complex and often isolating world. What Happened Was... was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for several Independent Spirit Awards and two Emmy Awards.
