The message is important, but the messenger has equal impact. Those who disagree with that statement might consider how the same words from a close friend might land differently coming from a complete stranger. It comes down to connection. Filmmakers Yuxing Lei and Jiyeon Kim-Myung share this and have presented a unique depiction of the concept in the hilarious and dark film Over Easy. This tale of two Asian women in a most peculiar parental challenge has cultural roots according to Producer Yuxing and Director Jiyeon. The shorthand that these two film professionals share has culminated in one of the most original plots in recent memory. Over Easy uses humor to explore how two young women challenge serious and traditional views on parenting and having children, embracing a playful and joyful attitude while breaking conventional expectations.
There have been many films about parenting which imply that benevolent instincts take over in times of trial; this is not that type of film. At nearly every point, Over Easy leans hard into absurdity. The cleverness of the filmmakers is evident in not revealing how far they will go in exposing the complexities of human nature until the point at which it is least expected. Hailey and Jenna are simply two women who are happy to spend a calm night at home together, that is until a postman arrives to deliver a package with an enormous egg to their residence. Instantly thrown into the world of coparenting, the two struggle with how to provide care for the egg and contemplate how their future has instantly transformed because of it. The duo finds themselves in the same anxiety riddled panic that all new parent experience yet, this is with an egg. What will hatch and how will they deal with this new facet? In a twist that will elicit belly laughs and gasps, the women decide it’s better to crack the egg and turn it into various breakfast dishes rather than deal with the seemingly limitless outcomes of parenting. The plot is extremely engaging but equally transfixing are the performances by Christine Liao as Jenna Liu, Kaitlyn Ohara as Hailey Oshiro, Susan Brava as the Judge, Alexandre Chen (of Damien Chazelle’s multiple Oscar Award–Nominated film Babylon and the Primetime Emmy Award–Winning TV series Star Trek: Picard) as the postman delivering the egg, and Gabbie Adner as Hannah aka Giant Egg.
Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of Over Easy is how the tone of the film switches so quickly in a seamless and intentional manner. Producer Yuxing Lei was the hub for all creative components in the regard, working closely with the director, production designer, and all departments to enable the cast and crew to perform at their highest level. Ms. Lei proclaims great enthusiasm for being so embedded in the process stating, “The sheer range of my involvement keeps me engaged and reinforces my appreciation for the fact that everyone involved in the process deserves the title of ‘filmmaker.’ I’m happy to jump in and lend a hand in any way that helps, from coordinating paperwork to physically painting a set, from grocery runs to feedback in post. Every challenge brought me closer to the story and to the creative team. It was deeply fulfilling.” From the calm moments of Hailey and Jenna’s domestic bliss to the visual impact of a giant egg to the ovum smorgasbord, the choices of the filmmakers in presenting the altered reality of being a parent is presented with an appetizing cocktail of humor and fear which is recognizable while being distant enough to be entertaining. The manner in which this story is presented is filmmaking of the highest caliber. Over Easy was an official selection of the OutSouth Queer Film Festival, the 34th Annual Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, and the 40th VC Film Fest, in addition to recognitions from the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival.
Writer : Basil Thomson
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