I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight has an ungainly title but, luckily, the film’s memorable efforts are more than distracting.

The story follows the evolving romantic relationship between a Fillipina woman, Iris (Hera Nalam) and a former Mennonite man, Simon (Kristian Jordan).  As two socially awkward people who have begrudgingly grown used to being forgotten about, Iris and Simon agree to a one-night only date after a stiff run-in on the snowy streets of Winnipeg.  Because they agree to go on with their lives separately after this late-night drink, they also agree to divulge in their own personal secrets.  But, little do they know, they won’t stop thinking of each other after that pivotal date.  And when they have another coincidental run-in, they decide to pursue their interest in each other.

I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight is another really interesting movie from writer/director Sean Garrity (Blood Pressure, After the Ball, Borealis).  While his recent rom-com makes his career even more eclectic, I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight is more in line with his critically-acclaimed comedy My Awkward Sexual Adventure.  As someone who wasn’t crazy about My Awkward Sexual Adventure, there were moments in I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight that felt like more considerate do-overs.  Instead of focusing on cheap laughs, Garrity digs a little deeper this time around;  with the exception of an erection sight gag popping up into frame which, I admit, still made me laugh.

Iris and Simon are likeable, everyday characters, and the chemistry between Nalam and Jordan is always on fire – from their playful flirting to their more personal connections later in their relationship.  The movie functions like a typical rom-com, with a misunderstanding driving the main conflict later in the story and underdeveloped side characters and sub-plots supporting it.  But, Garrity finds resonance in a personal theme hardly explored in this genre. 

With the initial exposures of Iris and Simon and their continuation to confide in each other, along with the efforts made to re-build their trust, I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight makes a convincing case that honesty can be the sexiest thing about romance.  It brings hopeless romantics closer and allows them to find the heart and humour in life.  The new confidence even has the power to revitalize individuality, which is exactly what happens with Iris and Simon in Sean Garrity’s nice and modestly inspiring movie.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie