Straight Up *** (2019, James Sweeney, Katie Findlay, Dana Drori, James Scully, Tracie Thoms, Betsy Brandt, Randall Park) – Classic Movie Review 13,839

A chance meeting brings a near-perfect couple together in LA, except that he might gay and has OCD, while she struggles as an actress, in James Sweeney’s delightful 2019 romantic drama film Straight Up.

The delightful 2019 American independent romantic drama film Straight Up is written, produced, and directed by James Sweeney, who also stars with Katie Findlay, Dana Drori, James Scully, Tracie Thoms, Betsy Brandt, and Randall Park.

James Sweeney stars as Todd, a Los Angeles twenty-something man with OCD, who has difficulty in his romantic relationships as he has an aversion to bodily fluids and a wicked sense of humour. He likes the men he dates, but decides to try dating women. He meets struggling actress Rory (Katie Findlay), who has trouble emotionally connecting with others, in a library self-help section. Rory agrees to pursue a romantic relationship with Todd, though it is all talk and no sex. They are peas from the same pod, sort of, except that…

The well written and made Straight Up is sweet, funny and charming, some of it hilarious, all of it fun. Sweeney’s script is sharp, intelligent and provocative. The spirited playing helps enormously, with Sweeney and Findlay most amusing separately and together, a stylish double act with excellent chemistry. Betsy Brandt and Randall Park score in support as Todd’s mother and father.

It was shot over 18 days in 20 different locations. Greg Cotten’s old-style narrow screen cinematography makes it look smart.

The film premiered July 23, 2019 at Outfest, with distribution by Strand Releasing beginning February 28, 2020.

Sweeney and Findlay reunite for Sweeney’s follow-up film Twinless (2025).

The cast are Katie Findlay as Rory, James Sweeney as Todd, Dana Drori as Meg, James Scully as Ryder, Tracie Thoms as Dr Larson, Betsy Brandt as Todd’s mother Topanga, and Randall Park as Todd’s father Wallace.

© Derek Winnert 2026 – Classic Movie Review 13,839

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