Get ready for a unique cinematic experience as director Patrick Willems brings ‘The Dinner Plan‘ to Nebula, a dark comedy starring Griffin Newman in a high-stakes battle against a food allergy at his boss’s dinner party, marking a pivotal moment for the indie streamer.
Indie streamer Nebula is gearing up for a significant release next month with director Patrick Willems’ highly anticipated short film, ‘The Dinner Plan.’ Announced exclusively by Variety on October 29, 2025, this 33-minute dark comedy-thriller promises a blend of suspense and humor, anchored by a relatable (if extreme) social anxiety.
The film, set to debut on November 26, stars Griffin Newman in a role that challenges him to navigate the most stressful night of his life with one crucial objective: just don’t throw up. This project is not just another short film; it represents a key milestone in Nebula’s journey to expand its programming beyond its established “edutainment” roots into the realm of scripted content.
The Premise: A Recipe for Disaster
At its core, ‘The Dinner Plan‘ plunges viewers into a darkly comedic scenario. Griffin Newman portrays a man suffering from a rare food allergy who finds himself pressured into attending a dinner party hosted by his boss. The simple act of dining becomes a grueling challenge, as every dish presented could be his undoing.
The trailer hints at the specific allergen – tomatoes – which, ironically, appear to be a favorite ingredient of his unsuspecting hosts. This detail elevates the tension, transforming a common social event into a high-stakes psychological and physical ordeal for Newman’s character.
Meet the Ensemble: A Stellar Cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, bringing together recognized talents from various corners of film and television. Leading the charge is Griffin Newman, known for his work in projects such as ‘The Tick.’ He is joined by:
- John Hodgman
- Miriam Shor, recognized for roles in ‘American Fiction‘
- Zach Cherry, a standout from ‘Severance‘
- Eudora Peterson
- Geoffrey Cantor
- Cindy Cheung
This diverse group of actors promises to deliver a dynamic and engaging performance, contributing to the film’s unique blend of humor and suspense.
Patrick Willems: From Video Essayist to Filmmaker
The visionary behind ‘The Dinner Plan‘ is Patrick Willems, a New York-based filmmaker and video essayist who has cultivated a significant following online. Willems is celebrated for his distinctive style, which seamlessly blends incisive non-fiction film criticism with compelling cinematic narrative storytelling.
Fans of Willems will recall his debut feature film, ‘Night of the Coconut,’ which was released in 2022 on Nebula. ‘The Dinner Plan‘ further solidifies his transition into narrative filmmaking, demonstrating his prowess in crafting engaging stories that resonate with his unique artistic voice.
Nebula’s Evolving Vision and Scripted Ambitions
For Nebula, a creator-owned subscription streaming platform launched in 2019, ‘The Dinner Plan‘ signifies a strategic expansion. Traditionally known for its educational and “edutainment” programming, the streamer has been actively ramping up its efforts to produce original scripted content.
This move is part of Nebula’s broader strategy to diversify its offerings and appeal to a wider audience, positioning itself as a platform for high-quality, creator-driven narratives. As explored in reports on AOL’s coverage of indie streamers, Nebula’s venture into scripted projects marks a significant step in its growth within the competitive streaming landscape.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
While Patrick Willems developed the original story, the screenplay for ‘The Dinner Plan‘ was crafted by Michael Curran and Jacob Torpey. The film is produced by Dave Wiskus and Trenton Waterson from Nebula, with Zara Glaze serving as associate producer.
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to bringing Willems’ distinctive vision to life with a strong creative and production team supporting the project.
Anticipation and Fan Buzz
The announcement of ‘The Dinner Plan‘ has generated considerable excitement, particularly among fans of Patrick Willems’ unique style and the stellar cast members. The premise, tapping into universal anxieties about social gatherings and personal vulnerability, promises a highly engaging and memorable viewing experience.
Releasing just before Thanksgiving, the film’s theme of a stressful dinner party offers a timely and darkly humorous counterpoint to holiday festivities, inviting audiences to perhaps reconsider their own family meal plans.
