A delivery man, Walter (Jarrod Pistilli) brings a large, unexpected package to actor Janet (Bonnie Root), and after a little discourse about accepting the parcel, he asks to take a selfie. As things get even more awkward, Walter produces a script from his pocket. He wants to cast Janet and insists on filming every horrendous moment of his dire screenplay right there.

Films set around two characters can be hard to pull off, and writer/director Michael Mandell almost succeeds with The Movie. The big problem is that rather than going on a humorous trajectory, it descends into a rather nasty, uncomfortable direction. Both actors do well playing off each other but a protracted rape scene – despite not being explicit – is upsetting, as is its aftermath, which changes the mood of the picture considerably.

It’s a well-made two-hander, which makes the distasteful moments jar even more. Where sure Mandell is capable of delivering a much better film; however, the sour taste left by The Movie doesn’t make us desperate to see it.

The Movie is out now on digital in the US