ruok (2018)
A sharp, tender short comedy about two gay best friends whose loyalty is put to the test when they both fall for the same man.
ruok - Movie Information
- Original Title: ruok
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Jay Russell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 13m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: WTFK Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: r u o k (US)
ruok - Plot
The story of two young gay BFFs (Alex & Bryan) and how their friendship is affected by their feelings for the same man.
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ruok - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jay Russell
Main Cast
- Peter Mark Kendall
- Zachary Booth
- Sydney James Harcourt
- C.K. Allen
- Enrico Rodriguez
- Kurt Hellerich
- Tim Ewing
- Bruno Uribe
- Bill Bowers
- Sam Russell
Writers
- Jay Russell
Producers
- Jay Russell
ruok - FAQs
What is ruok about?
ruok follows Alex and Bryan, two young gay best friends navigating a friendship put under serious strain when they both develop feelings for the same man. The short film explores themes of loyalty, desire, and the fragile lines between friendship and romantic rivalry, all set against a modern, app-driven dating culture.
Is ruok a short film?
Yes, ruok is a short film with a runtime of just 13 minutes. Despite its brief length, it packs in a full emotional arc, exploring friendship, jealousy, and betrayal between two gay best friends competing for the same man's affection.
Who are the main actors in ruok?
The film stars Peter Mark Kendall as Alex and Zachary Booth as Bryan, the two best friends at the center of the story. Sydney James Harcourt plays Craig, the man they both fall for. The supporting cast includes C.K. Allen, Enrico Rodriguez, Kurt Hellerich, Tim Ewing, Bruno Uribe, Bill Bowers, and Sam Russell.
What does the title ruok mean in the film?
"ruok" is text-speak for "are you okay?" — a simple message that carries enormous emotional weight in the story. The film leans into modern digital communication, showing how a single text can shift the dynamic of an entire relationship, making the title both literal and thematically loaded.
Who directed and wrote ruok?
ruok was written, directed, and produced by Jay Russell, making it very much a personal creative vision. Russell also served as the sole producer, giving the film an intimate, focused quality that suits its short-form storytelling about friendship, loyalty, and the complications of desire.
Is ruok an LGBT film?
Absolutely. ruok is an LGBT short film centered on two gay men whose close friendship is disrupted by romantic feelings for the same person. It engages authentically with gay culture and modern queer social life, making it a relatable and resonant watch for LGBT audiences.
What are some films similar to ruok?
If ruok appeals to you, check out Benjamin (2019), In a Heartbeat (2017), Alex Strangelove (2018), The Thing About Harry (2020), and Bros (2022). These films share ruok's focus on gay relationships, friendship dynamics, and the emotional complexity of queer romantic life.
Does ruok have an alternative title?
Yes, ruok is also known by the spaced-out alternative title r u o k, which was used in the United States. Both versions refer to the same short film — the stylistic variation simply plays on the text-message shorthand that sits at the heart of the story.
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