Chapter 05 · Characters
A short film with three principals, two best friends, and one decision that turns each of them into who they are about to become.
The Voice · Narrator
Age 21
Hosts Dating Woes on WTST 1600AM with authority she has not yet earned in her own life. She is the only character who looks directly into the lens — confiding in us between scenes, narrating her own undoing in real time. By the final candle, the audience is the last person she has left to talk to.
Casting Reference
Yara Shahidi · Lori Harvey · KiKi Layne
The Loyalty
Age 23
6'3", steady, attentive, built around honesty. He squeezes oranges fresh, cooks breakfast slowly, and means every promise he makes.
Casting Reference
Morris Chestnut (The Best Man) · Omari Hardwick
The Past
Age 23
Curry's best friend and roommate, and Imani's unfinished business from three years prior. He is not cruel. He is comfortable, which is worse.
Casting Reference
Lance Gross · Trevante Rhodes
Supporting Cast
Caroline · Imani · Ashley — the kitchen table, Fall 2007
The Hopeless Romantic
Optimism so genuine it becomes the most dangerous thing in the room when Imani needs someone to tell her the truth.
Casting · Meagan Good (early 2000s) · Essence Atkins
The Truth-Teller
Doesn't soften anything. Loves Imani enough to say the thing nobody else will. The friend you call when you already know the answer.
Casting · Teyonah Parris · Ryan Destiny