1985 (2016)
A quietly devastating short drama about concealment, illness, and the fragile dignity of a man facing the unspoken.
1985 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 1985
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Yen Tan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 8m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: dreamFly Productions, Trumpett Productions, May '68 Productions, Constant Cinema Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
1985 - Plot
A dying man seeks out a beauty consultant to hide his symptoms.
Where to Watch 1985
Looking for where to watch 1985?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
1985 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yen Tan
Main Cast
- Robert Sella
- Lindsay Pulsipher
- Allyn Carrell
- Chris Gardner
Writers
- Yen Tan
Producers
- Hutch Crane
1985 - FAQs
What is 1985 about?
1985 is a short drama about a dying man who visits a beauty consultant to conceal the physical signs of his illness. It's a quiet, emotionally charged piece that explores themes of concealment, vulnerability, and the human need to maintain dignity in the face of suffering.
Who directed the short film 1985?
1985 was directed by Yen Tan, who also wrote the screenplay. Tan later expanded the story into a feature-length film of the same name in 2018, exploring the AIDS crisis of the mid-1980s through the lens of a young man returning home for Christmas.
Is 1985 based on a true story?
1985 is not directly based on a specific true story, but it draws deeply from the historical reality of the AIDS epidemic in mid-1980s America. Director Yen Tan crafted the narrative to reflect the real experiences of countless individuals who faced stigma and concealed their illness during that era.
Who are the main actors in 1985?
The short film stars Robert Sella as Adrian, the dying man at the center of the story, alongside Lindsay Pulsipher, Allyn Carrell, and Chris Gardner. Sella's portrayal of Adrian anchors the film's emotional weight in a remarkably brief runtime.
How long is the short film 1985?
1985 runs for just 8 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, it delivers a quietly powerful emotional impact. Director Yen Tan later revisited the material in a full-length feature version released in 2018, which expanded the story considerably.
When was the short film 1985 released?
1985 was released on March 11, 2016. The short film served as a precursor to Yen Tan's acclaimed 2018 feature of the same name, which went on to receive significant attention on the festival circuit and broader critical recognition.
What are films similar to 1985?
If 1985 resonates with you, you might enjoy Starving in Suburbia (2014), Norman (2010), The Attack (2012), The Girl in the Book (2015), and First Snow (2006). These films share a similar emotional intimacy and focus on characters navigating personal crisis with quiet intensity.
Is there a feature-length version of 1985?
Yes! Yen Tan expanded this short film into a feature-length drama, also titled 1985, released in 2018. The feature version stars Cory Michael Smith and digs deeper into the story of a young gay man returning home during the AIDS crisis, earning strong critical praise.
More About 1985
Explore further details about 1985 on these trusted resources.