What Happens Next is a sweet movie about self discovery. It stars Jon Lindstrom as Paul Greco, a successful businessman in his 50s who has built his fortune from the ground up. When he retires his sister Elise (Wendy Malick) gives him an adorable French Bull Dog. After all, he lives alone and she feels he needs a distraction and some company. She has set him up on dates and some of his relationships with women have lasted several months, but nothing permanent. She continues to seek the perfect woman for her brother.
Paul balks at the notion of taking care of a dog but takes on the responsibility of this new little gal, whom he names Mrs. Greco. On his daily dog walks to the park he happens to meet Andy (Chris Murrah), a young man with a dog of his own. They strike up a relationship and every day meet at the same park bench to talk and let their dogs play together.
In the beginning Paul is put off by Andy’s sexuality. But as their friendship grows, he becomes more and more interested in the gay lifestyle and starts to explore his own feelings.
In the meantime, Paul’s nephew Robbie has disappointed Elise by not becoming a lawyer. Instead he is a photographer who is about to have a show of his own at a local gallery. The gallery happens to be owned by Roz (Natalia Cigliuti), who is Andy’s next door neighbor and confidant. Roz is learning about Andy’s new relationship and cautions him about getting involved with a straight man. But Andy has a suspicion that Paul is about to come out.
The Characters in What Happens Next
This film brings together several characters whose lives are all connected, however they don’t realize it until the end. Here’s the story in a nutshell. Paul is attracted to Andy who confides in Roz who is showing Robbie’s photographs in her gallery, and Robbie’s mother Elise is attempting to come to terms with her son whom she believes is gay.
While Paul is learning about himself, Elise is learning about homosexuality from Andy whom she meets at a PFLAG meeting, not knowing that Andy is seeing her brother and Andy has no idea that Elise is Paul’s sister and the mother of his friend’s client.
Rave Reviews in Film Festivals
Many people might be turned off – or on – by gay stories, but if you want to see a sweet, fun film with a gay theme, this is definitely charming. It was the official selection - 2011 Hollywood and Flickers: Rhode Island Film Festivals, Opening Night Selection/Festival Favorite- 2010 Philadelphia QFest plus festivals in Miami, San Diego, North Carolina and Bremen, Germany.
The film is distributed by Wolfe Video, the largest exclusive distributor of gay and lesbian films. It is a little slow in parts, but on the whole it is a fun little story. And I challenge anyone not to fall in love with Mrs. Greco!
The DVD contains deleted scenes.
- What Happens Next DVD
- Running time: 110 minutes
- Release Date: February 7, 2012
