Mache: Love, Dreams, and Life Choices in Wendy-Seme Orleans' Compelling Film
“Love is the magician that pulls man out of his own hat.”
This quote resonates with the comedic short film Mache, directed by and starring Wendy-Seme Orleans, who shines his personality both behind and in front of the camera. Mache begins with a young dreamer, Sam (Wendy-Seme Orleans), determined to travel the world and make it to the United States to live the American dream. When he meets a girl named Angela, who is running a fruit stand, he is immediately infatuated by her beauty. What seems like an easy catch for young Sam is abruptly diverted by Angela’s mother, who wields a machete.
Throughout the first act, Sam tries his best to get around Angela’s mother to talk to her, but luck is not on his side. With help from Angela’s sister, Sam and Angela finally go on a date, which ends with Sam taking her virginity. Angela confides in Sam, telling him that this wasn't what she wanted. Sam does the right thing and asks if she will marry him. Sam repeatedly tries to woo Angela’s mother into approving their marriage, giving her gift after gift until she finally gives him the answer he's looking for. Now married to Angela, his wife, Sam is eager to make her happy. Angela’s mom helps pay for Sam to move to the United States to provide for his family.
When Sam and his best mate Rey return, Angela discovers a pair of panties in Sam’s suitcase. She doesn't say anything to Sam; she just folds them and places them on the dresser. This is the first time the audience sees Angela's realization that her husband may have been unfaithful.
Sam is now living in New York City and loves his Jets. While at a bar, another woman who also loves the Jets approaches him, and they have a moment. Linda writes her number on his hand and tells him to call her sometime. Being new to a big city with not many friends makes Sam feel lonely. He takes Linda up on her offer and goes to her house to watch a Jets game. After a celebratory hug, they end up kissing and hooking up.
Mache is one of those films that comes around every once in a while, making you think you have it all figured out, but then, boom, a plot twist. As time goes by for Sam living in NYC, Angela comes to town for a fashion opportunity. Like the majority of marriages, there's always one that gives and one that takes. While Sam wants Angela to be more like Linda regarding his needs, he starts neglecting Angela’s needs. This raises questions about Sam’s motives from the first time he met Angela until now. Did he love her, or was all of this only because he took her virginity?
The ending of Mache leaves you hanging on every word, waiting to see what happens next. When Linda tells Sam she is in love with him and is pregnant, she asks Sam if he dares to leave his wife. Sacrifices, love, heartache, and real-world consequences are all woven into Mache. Whether you've never been married or have been in love with two people at the same time, there's something in here for everyone. Wendy-Seme Orleans does an excellent job of capturing the moments with him and a stellar cast, making Mache a force to be reckoned with.
Mache Trailer
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