Geranium - a short film by Kait Schuster

In Kait Schuster Geranium, a queer couple uses the titular safe word as they role play a sexual assault in the hopes of processing the trauma. However, their protective bubble bursts when one of them forgets to say it. With a raw and poignant screenplay brought to life by two outstanding performances, writer/director and lead actor Schuster captures an authentic and beautiful intimacy between the short’s two protagonists.

“I didn’t grow up with movies that really showed me what our intimacy is meant to look like”

While not autobiographical, Schuster shared with us that the film was “very personal” and “an amalgamation of (her) intimate experiences as a queer woman”. With sex often depicted in a polished, choreographed manner on screen, we all know just how different the reality can be. Geranium is about the intimacy of the two protagonists, and how both feel safe enough with one another to process sexual trauma. “Like most queer people, I didn’t grow up with movies that really showed me what our intimacy is meant to look like”, Schuster explained.

The dialogue between the two lead characters is quite striking, addressing a topic of conversation rarely depicted on screen. However, what makes it truly memorable and emotionally impactful, is how raw, honest and authentic their exchange feels, from the initial consent check to the dashes of humor. While having created a safe environment between them to try to address the past trauma, both characters display an incredible vulnerability throughout the film.

Kait Schuster (L) and Lio Meheil star in Geranium

Shot with a tight crew, Schuster emphasized that “familiarity and shorthand felt really important in making a short that was so intimate”. To ensure everyone felt as safe as possible, she teamed up with DP Alyssa Brocato, a trusted previous collaborator. The cinematography, from the color palette to the tight framing, perfectly echoes the strength of the on screen relationship, conveying the strong bond between the protagonists. Given the nature of the scenes, they also worked with intimacy coordinator Carly Zien to make the film as compelling as possible without compromising anyone’s safety on set.

For the film to be so emotionally compelling, and capture all the layers and subtlety of the screenplay, the performances were also paramount. Schuster, along with Lio Mehiel, who some might recognize from Mutt, share a chemistry that instantly makes them feel like a real couple – one you genuinely want to root for. The way they play with one another, from the dialogue to the more physical scenes, fleshes out their relationship and where they are as a couple in that moment. The authenticity and emotion captured allows the audience to understand both of their perspectives without ever taking a side. If anything we are taking the side of their relationship.

Geranium had its World Premiere at the 2022 Palm Springs ShortFest and after hitting the festival circuit it is now having its online debut, which we are delighted to host. Schuster is currently developing her first feature Whatever Whatever with Killer Films, with the film a participant of the 2023 Inside Out Finance Forum.