Chestnut

Fresh out of college in Philadelphia, Annie (Natalia Dyer) feels completely unmoored, working a temporary office job while contemplating her next move. Uncertain of her career goals and struggling to anchor her identity, she finds refuge in the vibrant local nightlife of the Chestnut Hill bar scene.

Her routine changes when she meets Tyler (Rachel Keller), a charismatic and confident woman, alongside Danny (Danny Ramirez), a charming bar co-worker. As Annie navigates a simmering love triangle with both Tyler and Danny, she finds herself drawn deeper into a complex web of attraction, emotional vulnerability, and bisexual self-discovery, forcing her to confront what she truly wants from adulthood and love.

💡 Did you know?
Natalia Dyer's Indie Spotlight: Features Natalia Dyer (Stranger Things, Yes, God, Yes) leading a quiet, grounded queer narrative that showcases her dramatic versatility outside of fantasy and studio productions.

Philadelphia Setting & Directorial Debut: Written and directed by Jac Cron, serving as her feature directorial debut. The film pays tribute to Philadelphia's distinct urban neighborhoods, coffee shops, and nightlife corridors.

Atmospheric Soundtrack: Features an original music score composed by Ryan Lott, member of the Oscar-nominated experimental band Son Lux (Everything Everywhere All at Once).

⭐ Film Evaluation & Ratings 📈
⭐ Global Critical & Festival Consensus: 6.2 / 10 (IMDb / Frameline & Queer Film Festival Archives)

Appreciated in indie film circles for its delicate, naturalistic tone and intimate character work by Natalia Dyer and Rachel Keller.

🎨 Atmospheric & Visual Craft: 6.8 / 10

Uses soft neon bar lighting, handheld camerawork, and natural dialogue to capture the hazy anxiety of post-college life.

📝 Portal Recommendation:

A great addition for Bisexual Cinema Highlights, Post-College Coming-of-Age Archives, and Modern Queer Romance Spotlights. Pairs naturally with titles like Shiva Baby (2020), Appropriate Behavior (2014), or Lovesong (2016).