What Is Textuality About?
The premise of Textuality in 314 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a world where the latest technology is a perpetual stream of BlackBerry alerts, conversation happens in short bursts of white‑screen chatter, and the hum of notification tones underpins everyday life. The absence of smartphones gives the city a slightly retro feel, yet the characters are forever connected, their relationships measured in unread messages and lingering “typing…” indicators. This glossy, slightly absurd backdrop sets a tone that blends witty social commentary with the tender uncertainty of modern romance.
Breslin works as a financial adviser whose career teeters on the edge of collapse; one more client loss could see him out the door at the hands of his demanding boss Kara. He’s entangled in a web of concurrent relationships—with a waitress named Heather, an art teacher Dina who craves commitment, and even his own supervisor—all navigated through endless texting. A broken engagement with Erin still lingers in his mind, adding a lingering sense of what‑might‑have‑been to his already crowded emotional ledger.
Simone is an artist who runs a quirky blog called “Simone Says,” refusing to commercialize her talent despite evident skill. She juggles four very different boyfriends—the wealthy but obsessive Clive, NBA player Marcus, struggling musician Colin, and the germ‑phobic Jacob who still depends on his mother for rides. Unlike the others, Simone detests texting, preferring real‑voice conversations, a trait that becomes a subtle rebellion against the omnipresent digital chatter.
Amid this tapestry of overlapping texts, missed calls, and half‑finished relationships, Breslin and Simone encounter one another in a classic “meet‑cute” that hints at something deeper than their current entanglements. Their mutual attraction is palpable, and both seem poised to question whether a connection rooted in conversation—rather than constant notification—might finally offer a more authentic kind of intimacy. The film balances humor with heartfelt moments, inviting viewers to wonder how much of our lives are truly ours when every word is filtered through a screen.
What Happens in Textuality?
The complete story of Textuality, from the first scene to the last, in 623 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the opening credits, Breslin Jason Lewis and Erin Anna Cyzon reveal a fragile romance that starts with almost no sound, save for a soulful Ray Charles tune that lingers as their story unfolds. The film sketches a world where every phone is a Blackberry and every moment seems to be posted or texted, illustrating a culture where communication is nonstop and distraction is the norm.
Breslin Jason Lewis is a financial adviser who is feeling the pressure. His job is on the line if he loses one more client, and his boss Kara looms large as a potential threat. Six months earlier, Breslin and Erin were meant to marry, but something went wrong, and since then he has kept a revolving door of relationships with different women. He dates a waitress named Heather and an art teacher named Dina Kristen Hager, who asks for a higher level of commitment while Breslin navigates the risk of losing everything he’s built.
Simone Carly Pope is an artist who runs a blog called “Simone Says” and fiercely refuses to sell her paintings, leaving audiences to wonder how she sustains herself financially. She is the creative center of her world, and she is dating four men at once. She is connected to the art world in other ways too: Dina Kristen Hager is her art teacher, adding a layer of tension and mentorship to the mix. Simone’s dynamic with Breslin begins as a wary, tense flirtation—she dislikes texting, while Breslin would rather speak on the phone—yet there is a clear, magnetic attraction that hints their relationship will be more meaningful than any of Breslin’s other entanglements.
Clive Eric McCormack has money and is drawn to Simone, fueling a web of desire and competition. Marcus Shane Nicely is an NBA player who brings a contrasting mix of charm and bravado to the scene, while Colin Kristen Holden-Ried is depicted as a less successful presence—a band member who doesn’t quite fit in with the more polished crowds. Jacob, who must call his mother to pick him up and who battles a germophobic streak, adds a quirky counterpoint to the group’s dynamics. He, unlike the others, doesn’t have a clearly labeled actor in the cast information provided, so his presence remains as plain text here.
Throughout the film, Breslin’s closest ally appears to be Mike, a wealthier, inherited-rich friend who seems to shape Breslin’s choices and help determine whether he can keep his job and avoid a firing. The story even threads Mike’s life into everyday scenes—visiting a grocery store, witnessing Mike’s questionable newspaper deliveries, and a senior bowling league moment—to illustrate just how entangled money and friendship can be in this circle. Yet Mike’s involvement is not always straightforward, and the balance of power between friends and lovers shifts with each scene.
Despite these parallel stories, the film keeps a singular throughline: Breslin and Simone’s evolving relationship. Their rocky start—where mutual curiosity replaces initial skepticism—tests whether their connection can outgrow the distractions of their surrounding relationships. Will Breslin and Simone’s bond prove strong enough to withstand the other commitments they’re juggling? And how will the rest of the relationships—Dina’s demand for commitment, Clive’s wealth-driven fascination, Marcus’s confidence, and Colin’s band ambitions—shape the choices Breslin makes about his own future?
As the credits close, the film leaves viewers with a question that lingers like the Ray Charles melody: in a world obsessed with constant connection, what does it really take to connect with someone on a deeper, more lasting level? The characters each chase something different—money, attention, affection, or artistic integrity—but the heart of the story remains Breslin and Simone, and the possibility that genuine connection can emerge from a maze of text messages, competing desires, and imperfect pasts.
Textuality Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Opening credits: Breslin and Erin's fragile romance” to “Ending question: can genuine connection outlast distractions?”. 2 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Opening credits: Breslin and Erin's fragile romance
The film opens with Breslin and Erin in a fragile romance as a Ray Charles tune lingers in the background. The moment hints at a closeness that is quiet and intimate despite the surrounding distractions. The world around them is shown as hyper-connected, where phones are always buzzing and messages flood every moment.
When:Opening credits
- 2
Past engagement and Breslin's dating spree
Six months earlier, Breslin and Erin were meant to marry, but those plans fell apart. Since then, Breslin moves through a revolving door of relationships, from Heather the waitress to Dina the art teacher. The instability contrasts with the old promise of a life together.
When:Six months earlier
- 3
Breslin's job pressure and boss Kara
In the present, Breslin is a financial adviser under pressure; losing another client could cost him his job. His boss Kara looms as a potential threat, adding urgency to both his career and personal life. The tension between professional risk and romantic risk threads through his decisions.
When:Present Where:Workplace
- 4
Simone: artist and blogger
Simone runs the blog Simone Says and refuses to sell her paintings. She dates four men at once and dislikes texting, preferring direct conversation. Her independence and online persona anchor the film's artistic world.
When:Present Where:Art world
- 5
First tension between Breslin and Simone
Breslin and Simone's dynamic begins as wary, tense flirtation. There is mutual curiosity, and their initial exchanges hint that their connection may be more meaningful than Breslin's other entanglements.
When:Present
- 6
Clive's money-driven interest in Simone
Clive, a wealthy suitor, is drawn to Simone and fuels the web of desire around her. His money raises the stakes for Breslin's pursuit and the group's power dynamics.
When:Present
- 7
Marcus arrives: NBA star enters the circle
Marcus brings charm and bravado to the circle, contrasting with the more polished crowds. His presence adds another layer to the competing affections around Simone and Breslin.
When:Present
- 8
Colin's ambitions and band life
Colin appears as a less successful, band-focused figure, highlighting different paths within the circle. His ambitions mirror the choices Breslin faces between risk and stability.
When:Present
- 9
Jacob's quirks introduce tension
Jacob, who must call his mother to pick him up, battles a germophobic streak. This quirky counterpoint to the group’s intimacy underscores the quirks that texture their interactions.
When:Present
- 10
Mike's influence and everyday scenes
Breslin's ally Mike, a wealthier friend, helps shape Breslin's choices and the risk of losing his job. Scenes across a grocery store, questionable newspaper deliveries, and a senior bowling league illustrate how money and friendship weave through daily life.
When:Present
Show the other 3 events of Textuality Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Dina's demand for commitment
Dina presses Breslin for a higher level of commitment, forcing him to confront his choices. Meanwhile, Breslin weighs the lure of Simone against his obligations and career.
When:Present
- 12
The throughline remains Breslin and Simone
Despite the parallel stories, Breslin and Simone's evolving bond remains the central throughline. Their connection is tested by other commitments, raising questions about whether it can endure distraction.
When:Present
- 13
Ending question: can genuine connection outlast distractions?
As the credits roll, the film leaves a lingering question about what it takes to connect deeply. The Ray Charles melody returns as a unifying motif that underscores the film's theme.
When:Ending credits
Who Are the Main Characters in Textuality?
17 characters, among them Breslin - Jason Lewis, Erin - Anna Cyzon and Simone - Carly Pope: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 16 of them link to the actor’s page.
- B-
Breslin - Jason Lewis
Played by Jason Lewis
A financially troubled adviser who juggles multiple relationships while fearing job loss. Six months after a broken engagement with Erin, he flirts with several women including Heather and Dina, hoping to fill an emotional void. His boss Kara looms over him, pressuring him to keep clients, while Mike’s influence hints at social leverage. The story suggests his connection with Simone may be more meaningful than his other affairs.
- 💼 Career
- 💘 Romance
- 😕 Indecision
- E-
Erin - Anna Cyzon
Played by Anna Cyzon
Breslin’s ex-fiancée, whose past engagement provides context for his ongoing commitment issues. She remains part of Breslin’s romantic orbit, embodying the possibility of a serious relationship amid his tendency to date around. Her presence underscores the unresolved tension between past promises and present choices.
- 💘 Romance
- 🗝️ Past
- 🗨️ Conversation
- S-
Simone - Carly Pope
Played by Carly Pope
An artist with a blog called 'Simone Says' who refuses to sell her paintings and survives through unconventional means. She dates four men, including Breslin, and hates texting, preferring real conversation. Her meet-cute with Breslin evolves into a deeper, more meaningful connection, setting her apart from the other relationships.
- 🎨 Art
- 💘 Romance
- 📵 Communication
- D
Dina
An art teacher who is also one of Breslin’s dating options and who is demanding a commitment. She represents one of his more serious relationships and challenges his reluctance to settle down.
- 💘 Romance
- 🧭 Commitment
- 🗣️ Conversation
- C-
Clive - Eric McCormack
Played by Eric McCormack
A wealthy man who is rich and deeply infatuated with Simone, serving as a foil to Breslin’s more uncertain path. His fixation on Simone heightens the contrast between material security and genuine connection.
- 💰 Wealth
- 💘 Romance
- 🧩 Obsession
- M-
Marcus - Shane Nicely
Played by Shane Nicely
An NBA player whose charisma places him among Breslin’s dating pool. Among the four men, Marcus is noted for having the best personality, adding a lively dynamic to the romantic competition.
- 🏀 Athlete
- 💘 Romance
- 😄 Personality
- C-
Colin - Kristen Holden-Ried
Played by Kristen Holden-Ried
A member of a band, depicted as a bit of an underdog or 'loser' in comparison to the more suave love interests. His presence adds a quirky, indie flavor to the dating scene.
- 🎸 Music
- 🧑🎤 Underdog
- 💕 Romance
- H-
Heather - Supinder Wraich
Played by Supinder Wraich
A waitress who is part of Breslin’s dating circle, contributing to the bustling, everyday-life atmosphere of the film’s dating culture.
- 🍽️ Waitress
- 💘 Romance
- 🕒 Timing
- M-
Mike - Michael
Played by Liam Card
Breslin’s wealthy-leaning best friend who inherits money. He is seen helping Breslin with various social situations, including grocery store runs and a bowling league, illustrating the social circle that influences Breslin’s choices.
- 💰 Wealth
- 👥 Friendship
- 🎳 Bowling
- K-
Kara - Holly Dignard
Played by Holly Dignard
Breslin’s boss who wields the threat of firing him if he loses another client. Her presence adds professional pressure to Breslin’s personal life.
- 💼 Boss
- ⚖️ Career pressure
- 💬 Communication
- J-
Jenny - Marianthi Evans
Played by Marianthi Evans
A supporting character within the film’s social network, contributing to the ensemble realism of the modern dating world.
- 👩🎤 Supporting
- 🧭 Relationship
- 🗣️ Dialogue
- J-
Jim - Jim Annan
Played by Jim Annan
Another supporting figure in the wider world of Textuality, adding to the film’s social fabric and everyday interactions.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Supporting
- 🗂️ Ensemble
- 🗣️ Dialogue
- MB
Mitch Bingham - Danny Wells
Played by Danny Wells
A character in Breslin’s orbit who adds to the network of acquaintances and relational dynamics within the story.
- 👥 Social circle
- 🗣️ Dialogue
- 🧭 Relationship
- J-
Joe - Nicholas Rose
Played by Nicholas Rose
Part of the cast’s wider universe, contributing to the ensemble feel of the modern dating world.
- 👥 Ensemble
- 🗣️ Dialogue
- 🧭 Relationship
- J-
Jack - Randy Thomas
Played by Randy Thomas
Another member of the cast’s social world, enriching the film’s ensemble dynamics.
- 👥 Ensemble
- 🗣️ Dialogue
- 🧭 Relationship
- M-
Melanie - Renee Percy
Played by Renée Percy
A member of the broader group in the story’s social landscape, contributing to the multi-relationship backdrop.
- 👥 Ensemble
- 🗣️ Dialogue
- 🧭 Relationship
- J-
Jerry - Alastair Love
Played by Alastair Love
Another character integrated into the film’s social environment, helping flesh out the world of Textuality.
- 👥 Ensemble
- 🗣️ Dialogue
- 🧭 Relationship
Where and When Is Textuality Set?
When Textuality takes place (Late 2000s), and why the period matters to the story.
When
Late 2000s
Set in a contemporary urban environment where Blackberries are common and smartphones as we know them have not yet become ubiquitous. The story centers on how people communicate and date in a world dominated by texting and blogs rather than spoken conversation. The atmosphere reflects a pre-smartphone era where connections are built through messaging and personal interactions.
What Are the Themes of Textuality?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Romance, Communication and Self-Discovery.
-
01
Romance
The film follows Breslin, Simone, Erin, Dina, and others as they explore love, attraction, and commitment. Multiple simultaneous relationships create tension and humor, while a genuine connection between Breslin and Simone suggests meaning beyond casual dating. The opening meet-cute and evolving feelings drive the emotional core of the story. Romance here is tested by miscommunication and competing desires.
-
02
Communication
Texting dominates daily life, shaping how characters express themselves and misread one another. The narrative contrasts text-based connections with spoken interaction, highlighting how words on a screen can both connect and distance people. Simone’s aversion to texting versus Breslin’s reliance on messages serves as a central conflict. The blog and social dynamics amplify how people curate impressions of others.
-
03
Self-Discovery
Characters navigate competing romantic options to learn about their own needs and boundaries. Simone, Breslin, and the others test what they want from relationships beyond surface-level dating. The ensemble portrays growth through choices, disappointments, and the possibility of more meaningful connections. Personal growth emerges as the crowd weighs commitment against freedom.
What Kind of Film Is Textuality?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A witty and reflective romantic comedy that explores the anxieties of dating in a hyper-connected world, balancing modern cynicism with a hopeful search for genuine connection.
- modern
- reflective
- romantic
- anxious
- connected
- playful
- modern romance
- dating in the digital age
- communication
- commitment
Quiz
How well do you remember Textuality? Test yourself on the story.
