See You Soon: A Tender Exploration of Love, Distance, and Vulnerability
Tyler Rabinowitz's heartfelt short film captures the magic and fragility of a fleeting romance, now available to watch on Substack.
A Perfect Weekend of Connection
Can you recall the thrill of a first date that felt almost too good to be true? The butterflies, the intoxicating mix of love and lust, and the hope that time might stand still? Tyler Rabinowitz’s See You Soon beautifully captures that electric spark in a heartfelt short film about two young men navigating a long-distance romance. But as these magical moments unfold, they come with the bittersweet realization of love's fleeting nature.
The Story of Vincent and Anthony
See You Soon introduces us to Vincent (James Cusati-Moyer) and Anthony (Jonny Beauchamp), who have spent months chatting online, separated by an entire country. Finally, they have one precious weekend to bring their virtual connection into the real world.
Rabinowitz invites viewers to observe their story as if we’re quiet guests in the room, witnessing the pair’s nervous laughter, shy smiles, and the first tentative steps toward intimacy. Cinematographer Oren Soffer crafts stunning, extended vignettes that pull us into their private world, balancing moments of warmth and tension with remarkable precision.
Inspired by Real-Life Romance
This deeply personal story was inspired by Rabinowitz’s own experience with a whirlwind weekend romance. He explains, “When we were finally able to have a weekend together in person, I found myself able to let my guard down in a way I never had before. As the weekend came to an end, I had to grapple with the double-edged swords of attachment, vulnerability, and a long-distance relationship.”
Rabinowitz describes the experience as a pivotal moment in his coming of age. “I discovered not only my capacity to love, but also my capacity to receive love,” he shares, highlighting the universal truth that love requires us to open ourselves to both joy and risk.
A Universal Tale of Love
There’s a timeless charm to See You Soon. As Vincent and Anthony spend their weekend talking, laughing, and connecting, their bond feels both unique and universally relatable. The exhilaration of discovering a kindred spirit is palpable, as is the quiet fear of knowing time is slipping away.
Rabinowitz taps into the beauty of early love—the sense of infinite possibilities and the quiet hope that this connection could last forever. As the minutes tick by, the film subtly shifts, and we feel the weight of their separation on the horizon. It’s impossible not to root for them, even as their future remains uncertain.
A Queer Story Without the Tropes
One of the most remarkable aspects of See You Soon is how it normalizes queer love without leaning on the traditional tensions often depicted in LGBTQ+ films. As Rabinowitz explains, “The tension doesn’t hinge upon a gay character’s strained relationship with their family or rejection of their queerness. There’s nothing taboo about their relationship, and they aren’t afraid their sexual identity will damage their social standing.”
By focusing on an ordinary love story between two ordinary people, Rabinowitz has achieved something extraordinary. The film is relatable, tender, and strikingly intimate—a celebration of love that transcends labels.
Tyler Rabinowitz’s Growing Legacy
While See You Soon is Rabinowitz’s directorial debut on this platform, he’s no stranger to creating impactful short films. As a producer, his credits include The Mess He Made and Lavender, the latter of which was acquired by Fox Searchlight at Sundance 2019.
Looking ahead, Rabinowitz is developing his first feature film, You Cannot Erase Me. Set in Toronto, the film explores the romance between an emerging drag queen and a queer refugee fleeing persecution in their homeland. It’s another testament to Rabinowitz’s talent for telling deeply human, LGBTQ+ stories.
Watch See You Soon Now
This unforgettable short film is a tender, sexy, and heartfelt exploration of love in all its fragility. See You Soon is a poignant reminder of the power of connection, even when time is against us.