Frustrated, listless, and heartbroken after breaking up with his girlfriend, introverted video editor Charles (Brian Tyree Henry) is struggling to make his deadline. When a food delivery goes awry, Charles experiences every New Yorker’s worst nightmare: getting locked out of their apartment. With no shoes, no wallet, and a phone low on battery power, he runs into a cavalcade of eccentric Brooklynites, including a swinging upstairs neighbor, a strict parking enforcement officer, the kindly widow next door, and a budding piano prodigy. His zany encounters with his neighbors prompt Charles to reevaluate his life and regret the abrupt end of his relationship.

In his first on-screen leading role, Henry is marvelously adept at physical humor, observational comedy, and moments of quiet reflection. Filmmaker Casimir Nozkowski’s feature debut is self-assured with a script that is both hilarious and heartfelt, perfectly capturing city life. With strong supporting performances from Sonequa Martin-Green, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Asia Kate Dillon, Sunita Mani, and Maria Dizzia, The Outside Story is sure to resonate with New York audiences who like nothing better than films that celebrate the city they know and love.—Karen Kemmerle

Casimir Nozkowski