Tongue Tied

A promising first date takes an unexpected turn when an awkward confession sparks a showdown. Tongue Tied is a absurd comedy that follows Harold and Kelly after a successful first date. Harold leans in to kiss Kelly. Kelly pulls back revealing she has a medical condition called a tongue tie which limits her tongue movements, making her a horrible kisser. Instead of responding with empathy and understanding, Harold is disgusted by her tongue. Kelly, now insecure, pinpoints things about Harold that aren’t up to her standard—igniting a battle that challenges their assumptions and opens the door to feelings neither of them anticipated. This thesis examines how narrative directing can be used to satirize modern online dating and the insecurities it amplifies by subverting audience expectations of the romantic comedy genre. Through a deliberate shift in visual style, the film critiques the performative nature of digital dating culture while exploring the uncomfortable reality that we often don’t fully understand what draws us to others—or what truly repels us. In doing so, the film aims to reflect the confusion, contradiction, and vulnerability that underlie in contemporary romantic pursuits. We will be shooting Weekend 9 of the Winter quarter (March 2026).