If David Lynch had an independent film budget, the result would be similar to the Anderson Brothers‘ If You Should Leave Before Me. Directed by brothers J. Markus and Boyd Anderson, this drama-fantasy hybrid is a creative and poignant exploration of trauma, grief, and letting go. Running two hours long–quite effectively, I should add–If You Should Leave Before Me made its World Premiere at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival.

Good Intentions Lead to Undesirable Consequences

Mark and Joshua are a queer couple deeply in love, and the epitome of opposites attract. Mark (Shane P. Allen) is a neat-freak, orderly, and disciplined. Joshua (John Wilcox) is more of a free spirit with childlike curiosity. Having spent the majority of their lives together, their relationship is one of deep trust, understanding, and acceptance. However, Mark and Joshua are not a “normal” couple, as they have a unique ability to access the spiritual realm from within their house. Doors appear from all corners of their house and act like a portal to other worlds and universes. It is Mark and Joshua’s job to assist the souls on the other side of the door.

Each door uncovers a ghost who is living in a world of purgatory, neither joyful nor devastating. Mark and Joshua work together to help the ghosts resolve their past hangups and regrets before entering the afterlife. These conversations are all deeply impactful and moving; it’s empathetic to witness. For as helpful as they are to the ghosts, there is an elephant in the room that neither Mark nor Joshua wants to acknowledge. Joshua is sick and dying, and he begins to look for his own door to pass through. Mark, terrified of losing his partner and best friend, plans to do whatever it takes to prevent Joshua from crossing over. It’s here where tension runs high, and good intentions lead to undesirable consequences.

A touching story of love and loss

If You Should Leave Before Me is a surprisingly emotive and reflective work. The film enlists a unique storytelling process, successfully realized by the Anderson brothers. Using impressively budget-friendly set designs, the film flows through many different vignettes, each with its own set of filmmaking rules and sound. For example, one door reveals a Narnia-inspired fantasy land of colorful construction paper and a whimsical score. Another door is eerie and dark, and this portal houses a former Nazi. The overall feel is more kooky and fun than expected, given the heaviness of the subject matter. Shane P. Allen and John Wilcox give phenomenal turns as the co-leads. Their performances seal the deal in making If You Should Leave Before Me the knockout it is.

Takeaway

Joyfully enriching with the ability to pull on the same emotional heartstrings as episode three of The Last of Us, If You Should Leave Before Me is a filmmaking feat.