Watch One Bedroom

One Bedroom, a 2018 independent film, follows the story of a young woman named Melissa (Darien Sills-Evans) who dreams of making it big in the world of theater. Having just moved to New York City, Melissa lands a job at a prestigious theater company and immediately starts to work on a new play. As she becomes more and more focused on her work, however, Melissa realizes that the success she's been chasing may come at a price.

The film opens with Melissa moving into her new apartment, a cozy one-bedroom that she eagerly decorates to her liking. She's thrilled to finally have her own space and to be living in the heart of New York City, close to her dream job. Her boyfriend Nate (Stephen Hill) is supportive of her goals, but he's also dealing with his own struggles as a musician trying to make ends meet.

As Melissa settles into her new job, she's assigned to work on a new play with a famous playwright named Harry (Deepti Gupta). She's excited to have the opportunity to learn from someone so renowned in the theater world, but as she spends more time with Harry, she starts to see a darker side to the industry. Harry is demanding and rude, often belittling Melissa's work and treating her like a subordinate rather than a collaborator.

Despite the challenges, Melissa throws herself into her work, hoping that her dedication will pay off in a big way. But as previews for the play approach, she starts to feel like something is missing. She's spent so much time focused on her career that she's neglected her personal life, including her relationship with Nate. When he expresses doubts about their future together, Melissa is forced to confront the fact that her professional ambitions may have come at too high a cost.

One Bedroom is a slow-burning drama that explores the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams. Melissa is a relatable protagonist who is easy to root for, even as she makes questionable choices in her quest for success. Stephen Hill gives a strong performance as Nate, bringing depth and nuance to a character who could have easily been a one-note love interest. And Deepti Gupta is a standout as Harry, embodying the character's viciousness and fragility in equal measure.

Throughout the film, director and co-writer Darien Sills-Evans (who also stars as Melissa) captures the grit and glamour of New York City, from the crowded subway platforms to the neon-lit marquees of Broadway. He also makes effective use of flashbacks and dream sequences to add depth to Melissa's character and her relationships.

Despite its title, One Bedroom is about much more than just apartment hunting. It's a poignant meditation on the price of ambition, as well as a love letter to the city that never sleeps. While the film's slow pace and subdued tone may not be for everyone, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a thought-provoking story about the choices we make and the consequences that follow.

One Bedroom is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.