Jeff Samuelson

Jeff Samuelson’s filmography is kind of a wild ride, honestly—definitely not your average “oh, I’ve seen this guy a million times but can’t put my finger on it” situation. First off, there’s “Me and You and Everyone We Know” (2005), which, if you haven’t seen it, is this indie darling that sort of sneaks up on you with its awkward, offbeat charm. Samuelson doesn’t do anything halfway here; his performance is subtle but has this weird gravity, like you can’t look away even during those moments that make you squirm a little. The movie itself is all about these quirky characters whose lives kind of bump and collide in the weirdest ways—awkward romance, digital-age weirdness, and a bunch of scenes that’ll stick with you way longer than you’d expect. Then you get to “Sand Sharks” (2012), which—let’s be real—is not exactly Oscar bait, but it’s fun as hell. Think cheesy B-movie horror with a wink and a nudge, where the monsters are literally sharks that swim through sand instead of water (yeah, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds). Samuelson brings this kind of tongue-in-cheek energy that really sells the whole absurd premise, and you can tell the cast is having a blast. It’s one of those movies you throw on at midnight with friends for some laughs and popcorn. More recently, “First Day” (2022) shifts gears completely. Here, Samuelson steps into a more grounded, emotional role, exploring the nerves and hopes and awkwardness of, well, a first day—could be school, could be work, it’s that universal anxiety. He pulls off the vulnerability without making it sappy, giving the story this real, lived-in feel. Altogether, his career’s got range, heart, and some seriously unexpected highlights.