An immature guy discovers a lump on his testicle, then is forced to take stock of his life.


LUMP is used with permission from Honora Talbott. Learn more at https://honoratalbott.com.


Sean is a nice guy, but immature. His decency as a person means his relationship with his loving, accepting girlfriend Jenny is fun, affectionate and grounded. But his immaturity keeps him from fully committing to a real, grown-up life with Jenny, who wants them to move into together.

But during a mole check, Sean gets some bad news. Finally facing mortality may force Sean to take stock of his middling life, his own choices -- and the path he wants to take in the future, if there's a future to take.

Directed by Honora Talbott and written by Patrick Babbitt and Jackie Gonzalez-Durruthy (who both play the lead roles of Sean and Jenny, respectively), this short has the rat-a-tat patter and sharp wit of a comedy focused on an amiable, well-meaning manchild. But its thematic territory -- terminal disease, mortality and the life unlived -- are decidedly serious. The film, though, strikes an admirable balance between its comedic tone and its existential concerns, making for an emotionally engaging film about how a man is forced to grow up when confronting the limitations of life.

The storytelling sets up Sean's supportive relationship with Jenny with a funny amorous encounter between them at Jenny's work, but it quickly goes sideways, thanks to an uncomfortable conversation about moving in together and her discovery of a suspicious mole on his back. Sean then goes to the doctor, gets the bad news and then must go to a very iffy dinner party. Much of the comedy comes from Sean carrying his life-altering news into an intimate dinner with flaky California types, where revelations of infidelity and polyamory are flung into the open.

The film has fun with the wacky backstories of these side characters, but these pale in comparison to Sean's emotional dilemma. During this very farcical social occasion, he's having real revelations that he's not living up to his potential, and any time he has to turn it around may be limited. As Sean, Babbitt conveys fundamental decency and kindness, and his relationship with Jenny has a core compatibility and affection that makes them easy to root for. They banter together beautifully, but they also can hit the more serious, emotionally grounded notes when needed.

As Sean confronts the very real journey in front of him, he realizes who exactly he wants by his side. LUMP is essentially about a man growing up, taking his first steps into both healing and growing up. Without losing his sense of humor or fun, especially with a true partner at his side, he learns to take life and himself a little more seriously -- just enough to make it meaningful.