Directed by Matthew Shear, 2025, USA, Not Rated, 95 minutes

This wry and quietly affecting comedy follows Sam (Matthew Shear), a directionless young man drifting through New York City who becomes entangled in the lives of an eccentric older couple and their orbit of artists, dreamers, and strivers. As Sam navigates relationships, ambition, and his own uncertain identity, the film captures the fragile line between fantasy and reality in creative life. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, Fantasy Life drew praise for its sharp writing and naturalistic performances. Critics highlighted its charm and emotional honesty, with one calling it “a funny, perceptive portrait of creative uncertainty that feels both deeply specific and widely relatable,” marking it as a standout in contemporary indie filmmaking.

Munson Film Series is sponsored by M&T Bank and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.