Romantic comedies used to follow a formula. Meet cute. A misunderstanding. A big kiss in the rain. Dinner in America doesn’t do any of that. This under-the-radar indie flips the genre on its head, serving up a loud, unapologetic story about two outsiders who connect in the most chaotic way possible.
The movie leans hard into its punk roots. Every scene pulses with raw energy, and the soundtrack is more than just a backdrop. It’s part of the storytelling. At the center of it all is Watermelon, a jagged, messy, and unforgettable track created by the film’s mismatched couple, Simon and Patty. It went viral on TikTok for good reason. The song captures everything the movie stands for: rebellion, connection and a weird kind of sweetness that sneaks up on you.
Music drives the heart of Dinner in America. It fuels the characters, colors their world, and gives weight to their journey. The soundtrack isn’t polished or perfect. It’s unfiltered, emotional, and deeply personal. And that’s exactly what makes it work.
The song is infectious, hypnotic and has been used in thousands of videos, from aesthetic edits to funny or dramatic montages. And if it’s got you curious, that’s a good thing. This movie is the antidote to the typical rom-com — it’s a misfit-centric flick that you’ll appreciate no matter your tastes.
In fact, Dinner in America is the Valentine’s Day flick that should be on your watch list this year, whether you’re celebrating with a partner, BFF or going it alone. It’s a film that thrives on chaos, energy and unapologetic individuality. It’s one of the few romantic movies out there that captures the defiant spirit of punk rock while allowing for those mushy, gushy moments perfect for the most lovey-dovey day of the year.
Directed by Adam Carter Rehmeier, Dinner in America is an anarchic love story disguised as a coming-of-age film. It follows Simon (played by Kyle Gallner from Smile), a pyromaniac masked rocker, and Patty (played by Emily Skeggs), a socially awkward misfit who finds solace in music. Their unlikely romance unfolds over the course of a journey through the Midwest, as they challenge authority and find a sense of belonging in each other.
Despite rave reviews from critics and a successful festival run, Dinner in America didn’t quite break through to the mainstream when it debuted. But thanks to its soundtrack going viral and the continued appreciation for indie movies, more people are discovering the absolutely heart-melting romantic overtones at the heart of it.
Beyond the music, the movie is all about its leads. Simon isn’t your typical brooding love interest. He’s aggressive, brash, and seemingly incapable of compassion. Patty, on the other hand, is naive but resilient, an outcast who initially seems like she’s just a side character in Simon’s world. Yet as they crash through suburban backyards, run from cops, and form an unexpected musical partnership, their relationship becomes something raw and beautifully real.
The kicker? You probably know someone just like them. And they may have faded into the background for you. Here, they’re alive and in screaming color, just like their love story.
The chemistry between Gallner and Skeggs is electric in a way that’s rarely captured on screen, and that’s part of what makes Dinner in America feel so believable. Patty doesn’t just idolize Simon as the frontman of her favorite band (which she doesn’t know at first). She sees a vulnerable and kind man who’s slowly becoming her real friend, and eventual boyfriend.
Simon, despite his anger at the world, recognizes Patty’s potential and encourages her to embrace her voice, not her “weirdness,” and not the awkwardness she displays to the world. Before he knows it, he’s completely smitten with her.
Dinner in America isn’t the first time an indie movie has found a second life through social media. We’ve seen films like Jennifer’s Body and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World gain cult status years after their release, thanks to online fandoms rediscovering their brilliance. Sometimes, the best films just need time (and a killer song) to find their audience.
There’s something undeniably special about Dinner in America. It’s unpredictable, loud and bursting with heart. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel something visceral. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, if you’ve ever been drawn to music as a form of self-expression, or if you just like movies that break the mold, this one’s for you.
Dinner in America is currently streaming free on Hulu and available to rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.The cult love story that proves chemistry doesn’t care about social norms.
Read the full article here
