“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.” — Maya Angelou

The Lonely Crowd is a beautiful representation of Maya Angelou’s words. It all starts with a dating site. When Peter (Adam Wesley) and Ashley (Taylor Anne Danehower) finally go on a date, it takes a nosedive after a tense battle of perspectives. With Ashley storming out, Peter finds her being harassed. He is drawn into the chaos of her past, entwined with stolen money, dirty cops, and vengeful exes.

Produced by Jim St. Clair and directed by David St. Clair, Desario Productions delivers a compelling modern romantic thriller. The Lonely Crowd depicts dating fatigue, mistrust, and the challenges of forming bonds with new people. It also heavily draws its storyline from prejudice, as perceived through Ashley’s and Peter’s interactions. Cinematographer Garrett Stotko elevates the film through textured color palettes, making the film visually appealing.

The Lonely Crowd beautifully blends romance and emotional depth, brought to life through its character-driven nature. As much as the plot is well developed, some areas felt flat and underdeveloped. The fighting scenes could have been choreographed better, with more tension, and that includes the ending scenes. The last scene had a lot of potential if it had been built upon. However, this indie film still holds its own in a world of highly priced productions.

Currently available on Prime Video and Tubi.