Dindin, the indie feature directed by Brendan Patrick Hughes and written by Brenda Withers, is now available to stream on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, distributed by Good Deed Entertainment. This film takes viewers into the tense and unpredictable dynamics of a dinner party gone awry, revealing the complexities of human relationships through sharp dialogue and escalating conflict.
The story revolves around four individuals attending what begins as a seemingly pleasant dinner, only for the evening to unravel into chaos. As the night progresses, polite conversation gives way to exposed secrets and deep-rooted tensions, making for a gripping narrative filled with sharp social commentary and moments of dark humor. Brenda Withers, who not only wrote the screenplay but also stars as Darlene, the instigator of much of the evening’s turmoil, reflects on the setting: “Dinner parties present a fascinating battleground of social dynamics. From who’s sitting where, to the subtext of every conversation, there’s a lot to unpack, making it a perfect backdrop for exploring moral dilemmas and human nature.”
Originally conceived as a stage play, Dindin took an unexpected path to the screen during the pandemic, when Withers and her collaborators experimented with the story in a digital format. “We did a Zoom reading to keep the creative spark alive,” Withers recalls. “The response was unexpected. People connected deeply with these characters even through a screen, and that’s when we knew we had to expand it into a film.”
Dindin stands out for its blend of genres, seamlessly moving between comedy, drama, and moments of psychological intensity. “We wanted to create something fluid,” Withers explains. “Dindin touches on multiple genres without ever sticking to just one, resulting in a film that balances dark comedy with psychological tension.”
Much of the film’s impact comes from Brendan Patrick Hughes’ direction and Emily Topper’s cinematography. Topper, known for her work on high-profile documentaries, brings a minimalist style to Dindin, allowing the actors’ performances to take center stage. “Emily’s approach is about being invisible on set, letting the characters take over and catching the magic as it unfolds,” Hughes says. Her ability to capture the subtle shifts in emotion adds to the film’s tense atmosphere, pulling viewers deeper into the story.
Dindin
The chemistry between the cast—Brenda Withers, Jonathan Fielding, Robert Trow, and Stacy Fischer—drives the film’s emotional core. Jonathan Fielding reflects on the dynamic between the actors: “When you’ve worked with someone for as long as we have, you build a certain kind of rapport that can’t be faked. It’s like a dance—there’s no overthinking, just a natural ebb and flow.” Robert Trow adds, “There’s a rhythm that comes from knowing how to play off each other’s energy. That level of comfort allows you to dig deeper and make bolder choices.”
The film’s dark humor and exploration of social dynamics have drawn comparisons to works that blend sharp social commentary with suspense. Withers explains, “I wanted to shine a light on the kinds of conversations people shy away from. Comedy and absurdity are the best ways to disarm people and get them to confront uncomfortable truths.” As the dinner guests navigate strained conversations and clashing worldviews, the film asks whether we are truly connecting with others or simply playing roles to fit social expectations.
For viewers seeking something intellectually engaging and unpredictable, Dindin offers a unique experience. It challenges conventional storytelling, combining wit and tension to create a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. As Hughes puts it, “Dindin is an exploration of human interaction, where the stakes are as high as any action sequence—not because of what’s said, but because of what’s left unsaid.”
Now available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, Dindin invites audiences to experience a film that pushes the boundaries of genre and form. It is a must-see for indie film lovers looking for something that offers both depth and suspense.
