Sam Steiner
Sam Steiner’s been popping up all over the film scene lately, and honestly, it’s about time. His 2023 flick, “Fingernails,” is this weird, offbeat sci-fi romance—it’s got that slightly dystopian glaze but doesn’t bash you over the head with techy nonsense. The film dives into this world where people use a literal machine to test if they’re in love. Yeah, imagine swiping right meets a science experiment, with a hefty dose of existential dread. It's awkward, touching, and just a little bit bizarre—pretty much what you’d expect if you’ve seen any of his stage work.
Then he jumps to “Rich Flu” in 2024, and honestly, the vibe flips. Now we’re talking pandemic, but not the one you’re sick of hearing about. This time, the disease only targets the wealthy—like, the richer you are, the sicker you get. Darkly funny, biting, and honestly, a little cathartic if you’ve ever stared at a billionaire yacht and rolled your eyes. It pokes at greed, privilege, and who gets left behind when the world goes sideways.
Oh, and there’s “Morning.” Not as flashy as the others, but it’s got this quiet, haunting quality. It’s about loss, memory, all the stuff nobody wants to talk about over brunch. Steiner’s writing always finds that weird, uncomfortable sweet spot—where you’re laughing at the absurdity one second and then, bam, you’re questioning your own relationships or the world around you. He’s not the most mainstream guy, but if you want something that sticks with you, his movies deliver.