The project was partially funded through a Seed&Spark campaign that raised over $34,000. Critical Reception
The story follows Emma () and Josie ( Nika Ezell Pappas ), a newly married lesbian couple whose lives are upended when Emma’s lung cancer takes a terminal turn. Emma, who is deadpan and realistic about her fate, issues an ultimatum: Josie must find a new partner before Emma passes away so she can approve of the choice and ensure Josie isn't alone.
Josie, who is socially awkward and reluctant, begins a series of disastrous first dates. The Sympathy Card(2019)
is an unconventional indie romantic comedy-drama that centers on a "deathbed order" given by a terminally ill woman to her newlywed wife. Directed by Brendan Boogie , the film explores themes of mortality, non-monogamy, and the awkwardness of dating while grieving through a queer lens. Plot Overview
The film uses a non-linear structure, jumping back and forth through time to show the couple's origin story alongside their current struggle. Production and Context The project was partially funded through a Seed&Spark
Filmed over 19 days in the Boston area , featuring locations like the queer-owned City Girl Café in Cambridge.
The situation becomes complicated when Josie meets Siobhan ( Lauren Neal ), a free-spirited florist she genuinely begins to like. Josie, who is socially awkward and reluctant, begins
The production prioritized diversity, with a crew that was 2/3 female and 1/3 queer.