A Nostalgic Trip Back to 2005 University Life
If you appreciate the raw, slightly grainy look of older indie shorts, this one will definitely hit the spot. “What’s Up with Adam?” takes us right back to 2005, capturing that very specific university atmosphere where everyone is worried about exams, cheap drinks, and who is taking who to the school ball. The visual texture of the film really adds to its charm, giving it a warm, analog soul that modern, highly polished digital setups often lack.
The story focuses on Adam (Paul Stocker), a quiet guy who agrees to tutor his friend Toby (Jason Ebelthite) in French. Naturally, spending late nights together in a cramped dorm room leads to some serious unspoken tension. You can completely feel Adam’s internal panic as he tries to play it cool, especially while his friends are aggressively trying to set him up with a girl named Janet.
Quiet Glances and Real Chemistry
The actors do a wonderful job of keeping things grounded and real. Paul Stocker nails Adam’s quiet frustration. You can see him struggling to figure out how to act around Toby, terrified of making the wrong move. Jason Ebelthite plays the oblivious but charming study buddy perfectly. The supporting cast also brings a lot of chaotic student energy to the screen, recreating those messy nights out where everyone is just talking over each other and trying to figure themselves out.
The best part about this short is that it does not rush the romance. It builds the connection through awkward silences, shared glances, and the simple act of studying together. The ending is incredibly sweet and understated. It skips the massive, dramatic Hollywood resolution and instead gives us a quiet, honest moment between two guys trying to figure out how to take the first step together. It is a really charming watch with a great throwback vibe.
