Directed by Brian Tashima, ‘Hold My Beer’ is a dramedy with a heartfelt premise. The short, created and written by Second Player Score, in partnership with Autism Empowerment, introduces us to Val (Andrew York), a 21-year-old autistic man drifting through life in Vancouver, Washington. His mother and stepfather gently push him toward employment or college, but Val resists, uninterested in anything that doesn’t spark genuine passion. Then, four months later, everything changes with a single sip of craft beer.
This 39-minute short film, designed as a pilot for a potential web series, takes its time setting up Val’s initial predicament. A nearly seven-minute opening stretches what could have been a concise introduction. This pacing issue extends throughout, with incidental music occasionally pulling focus from the story rather than enhancing it.
But where ‘Hold My Beer’ truly finds its strength is in its portrayal of autism. York, who is autistic himself, delivers an authentic and compelling performance, capturing the nuanced ways in which Val navigates social, emotional, and intellectual challenges. His portrayal avoids stereotypes, offering a perspective that feels lived-in rather than constructed for dramatic effect.
The film takes a turn when Val reconnects with his estranged father, who, surprisingly, becomes an ally in his brewing ambitions. This subplot adds emotional depth and a layer of reconciliation that enriches the story.
From a production standpoint, ‘Hold My Beer’ is undeniably low-budget, and it occasionally shows. The cinematography and sound are respectable but lack the polish of more refined indie productions. However, this roughness doesn’t detract from the film’s heart – it’s clearly a passion project, and that passion shines through in the storytelling.
Despite its bloated runtime, the short is a sincere and thoughtful exploration of identity, ambition, and neurodiversity. With tighter editing and a sharper focus, it could evolve into something truly special.
