Dinner in America – A Punk Rock Love Story Like No Other

 

🎬 Dinner in America – A Punk Rock Love Story Like No Other

Dinner in America is a raucous, darkly comic coming-of-age film written and directed by Adam Rehmeier, offering a fierce, funny, and emotionally grounded tale of two outsiders who find connection in a world that doesn’t know what to do with them.

Dinner in America' Review: A Punk-Rock Love Story - The New York Times

The story follows Simon (played by Kyle Gallner), an angry, foul-mouthed punk rocker with a criminal streak who’s constantly getting into trouble. On the run from the police after a petty crime, Simon hides out in suburbia where he crosses paths with Patty (played by Emily Skeggs), a shy, socially awkward young woman living under the oppressive control of her overbearing parents.

Punk Rock Love Story: The Weird World of Dinner in America | York Vision

Patty is ridiculed by peers and overlooked by her family, but she harbors a secret obsession with a mysterious punk band called Psy Ops—without realizing that Simon is the band’s lead singer. Their initial meeting is awkward and unexpected, but it quickly develops into something powerful as the two misfits bond over their shared outsider status and desire to escape the suffocating conformity of suburban life.

For 'Dinner in America,' a Surprise Theatrical Run Is Dessert - The New York Times

As they spend more time together, Simon’s abrasive exterior begins to crack, revealing glimpses of vulnerability and compassion, while Patty discovers her own strength and self-worth. Together, they embark on a chaotic, rebellious, and often hilarious journey of self-discovery—confronting bullies, dodging cops, and blowing up every expectation around them.

The film’s energy is driven by a pulsing punk rock soundtrack and kinetic visuals that reflect the emotional turbulence of its characters. Gallner delivers a raw and charismatic performance, while Skeggs brings heart and depth to Patty’s quiet transformation. Their chemistry forms the emotional core of the film, making their strange, offbeat romance feel authentic and empowering.

Dinner in America is more than just a love story—it’s a loud, unapologetic celebration of individuality, identity, and finding beauty in being different. With its biting humor, fierce performances, and rebellious spirit, it’s a cult-worthy indie gem that defies genre and leaves a lasting impression.