Alex visits his newly single mother for a weekend at her beach house. But when he is confronted with her new independence, Alex is forced to face his own controlling nature.

Sofia Camargo and Joseph Longo’s short WE’RE NOT DONE YET takes a funny and touching look at a mother-son dynamic that captures both the struggles and joys of growing up and moving on. The story follows Alex on a visit to his mother Bettina’s beach house for a weekend, where he is made to confront his own controlling nature. Alex is played by the director Joseph Longo, with the mother portrayed by his real-life mom, the internationally renowned German actress Barbara Sukowa.

The film places us in a moment in Alex and Bettina’s life. Bettina is trying to get used to living on her own while maximizing her newfound freedom. It is a lovely, late Summer weekend where the expectation is for Alex to spend some quality time with Bettina. She seems to have other plans, however, she decides it is time for Alex to meet her new boyfriend, Doug (Danny Mastrogiorgio). The meeting does not go well, but with a little cooling off time, Alex and Bettina get to enjoy their weekend.

WE’RE NOT DONE YET gives us a glimpse at the evolving dynamics between parent and child. Over time, both have to learn to let go and give each other space to grow. The film captures this dynamic quite well, which of course, is enhanced by the real-life connection between Longo and Sukowa.

To learn more about the film and the filmmakers’ process, I spoke with directors Sofia Camargo and Joseph Longo. We had a great conversation, which I share with you here.

Credits

Directors: Sofia Camargo & Joseph Longo
Screenwriter: Joseph Longo
Producers: Pauline Glomaud-Murmann, Louis Anania, Joseph Longo
Cinematographer: Mélanie Akoka
Production Design By: Charlotte Abbott
Costume Design: Stine Dahlman
Co-Producer: Noah Gaynor
Executive Producers: Sabine Schenk, Anja Murmann
Principal Cast:
Barbara Sukowa
Joseph Longo
Danny Mastrogiorgio
Doron Jépaul Mitchell
Lauren Norvelle