For Years to Come

"For Years to Come," from James Patrick Nelson, succeeds by being at once classic and new. The format and tone, is very traditional. While this could allow it to get lost amongst many other independent Pilots and Shorts, it is worked into an asset: the traditional nature of this piece allows it to surprise you with moments of new-found comedic structure worked into the structure of its dramatic emotional spine. Additionally, in just under half an hour, we get an honest depiction of the characters in vulnerable moments, enhanced -and not undercut- by comedy. (And Richard Riehle is a standout, of course).

I caught For Years to Come at a film festival in New York, and it was far and away the highlight of the entire event. The performances were delightful across the board. James Patrick Nelson and Richard Riehle deliver particularly inspired and joyful performances, despite the fact that this pilot presents the audience with themes of grief and secrecy. Very well-written and very well-made! This was clearly crafted with a lot of love and care. The heart of For Years to Come is immense and earnest, and it was a treat to watch. Also, it ends with a hilarious and unexpected revelation that I need to know more about. I'm dying to see where it goes from here!

I caught this at Dances with Films in the episodic block and was really impressed by it. Well made, nicely shot, strong writing and directing - and great performances! It has a very unique tone as it deals with grief, expectations, family, finding love, and sexuality. You could tell the audience was really into it, so I know its themes and humor resonated with people. James Patrick Nelson shared afterwards that he based the story on his own life experiences, and you can tell by the details that you're watching an authentic voice. Hoping it gets picked up as a series because it definitely ends with a cliffhanger!

. . . and leaves you demanding more when it ends!

I wasn't quite sure what kind of story I'd walked into and, at first, the awkwardness of the opening sequence gave me that uncomfortable "voyeur-vibe" that I was being privy to too much information--like being invited to a funeral of a complete stranger, just for fun.

And, within seconds, I'm caught up in the silence, the grief and the parts of relationships that don't have words. I was totally spellbound by the father/son conversations that are both familiar and unexpected.

In fact, it the "unexpected" in this short film that caught my attention and kept me engaged throughout--with great storytelling, inviting characters and solid performances!

I simply want more!!!! It was beautiful!!!! Thank you!!!!

I really loved the pilot episode- it is unexpected and fun and talks about grief in a really unique and human way. The acting is fantastic and it had moments that made me cry. It features a queer love story that defies the usual stereotypes and cliches, and feels really sweeping, even in such a short amount of time. Jamie Nelson in the central character is particularly fantastic- charming, caring, and occasionally awkward. There were several moments that made me tear up (though I won't give any spoilers). It is a deep look at what it means to live life to the fullest, what we do and don't know about our parents, and how to process grief, even when it is deeply uncomfortable. I highly recommend it!