Directors Lucy Sandler and Mechi Lakatos asked the questions, “What would happen if we tried to make a film without a plan? Without a script? Without worrying about what it would be “for” or what it would do for us? If we just let the process itself be the point?” Their film Danny is My Boyfriend, is the result.
Lucy, Lucy Sandler, has moved back into her mother’s house after her last relationship led her to treatment in a psychiatric hospital. Her new boyfriend (a few months) has left town for his nephew’s non-denominational circumcision party, and she is taking care of his dog. While out with the dog, her path crosses Mechi, Mechi Lakatos, who recognizes her boyfriend (of many years) dog. The two realize they are dating the same person, and what follows is how they each react. Some of the reactions concern how they will individually handle their relationship with him, with most showing them forging an unlikely friendship, bonding over ruining his life.
This is a relatable storyline they selected for an unscripted piece, and it provided enough information to create a full-length film. Filming was done with two miniDV cameras, which allowed it to unfold naturally without pausing or resetting to get another shot. Multiple public locations and a few private homes and yards are used. This kept me grounded in reality, rather than the escape that sometimes comes from being on set.
The few things that didn’t work for me involved a moment after the dog relieved itself in the house and one character pushing another for an action to take place involving a cake. Having owned a dog I had a visceral reaction that stayed with me long after the movie was over. As for the second mention, an adult character pushing a teen near the end angered me. I was happy to see the teen wasn’t falling for it and was secure enough in herself to push back.
It was refreshing to see something different, and I admire these filmmakers for having the confidence to put something new out there. They are premiering the film at the 2026 Slamdance festival on February 21, 2026, with an additional showing on February 23, 2026.
Personal side note: There is a sequence involving an open audition, and one of the females is Hannah Levin, a wonderful actor, writer, and filmmaker in her own right. You can watch my interview with her from her piece, Golden Child, that was part of the 2024 Bentonville Film Festival here.
Director: Lucy Sandler, Mechi Lakatos
Cast: Mechi Lakatos, Lucy Sandler, Sivan Ambrose
Selig Rating: 3 stars
Runtime: 1h 41m
Genre(s): Comedy
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.