Peter and Vandy is a real life comedy/drama about the challenges of a couple who while trying to get to know one another, learn a lot about themselves too. They are able to do this by being vulnerable and honest with each other during the uncomfortable early stages of a new relationship. This refreshingly honest portrayal of the difficulties of being the real "you" is captured in this film. Peter is a anxious young man who takes everything personally. He finds his self worth in the opinions of others and struggles to grow in autonomy and self acceptance. Vandy is brutally honest with her thoughts and this challenges Peter to question his perception of who he is. He is only able to focus on his flaws. Vandy helps him to see his strengths too. Vandy is a young woman who loves to be needed. All she wants to do is help Peter be the best that he can be. She soon realizes that she can not fix him. She needs to allow him to fix himself while she focuses on her own self image. She struggles with the need to be loved with her own flaws. Together they are able to challenge themselves and each other to embrace imperfection and focus on their strengths. The movie helps us to see the courage involved in making the decision to stay together or separate. You find yourself rooting for them to make it!
15 Reviews
interesting pairing
SnoopyStyle15 October 2015
These are vignettes of the relationship between Peter (Jason Ritter) and Vandy (Jess Weixler) in Manhattan. It jumps around in their story from their meeting at the park, their fighting married friends Paul (Jesse L. Martin) and Marissa (Tracie Thoms), their petty fights, their break-up and their post break-up.
I love Ritter and Weixler. They are able to create some good chemistry at times. Martin and Thoms are a fun battling couple but it's too bad that they don't get many scenes. This is a short 80 minutes and it feels like a little thin. There needs to be something more. Ritter and Weixler could have done more but it's still good.
I love Ritter and Weixler. They are able to create some good chemistry at times. Martin and Thoms are a fun battling couple but it's too bad that they don't get many scenes. This is a short 80 minutes and it feels like a little thin. There needs to be something more. Ritter and Weixler could have done more but it's still good.
Jumps in time flesh out a complex love story
orson-1314 November 2012
This is a really nice little indie romance from writer/director Jay DiPietro, with two of the most attractive young talents in films - both Weixler and Ritter are irresistibly likable and the film is well written and is photographed (by Frank DeMarco) with wit and polish in a quality production. Ritter's excellent work in "Good Dick," is carried on here and why Weixler is not a bigger Hollywood personality is beyond me (and I've been reviewing movies professionally since 1981). She is smart, has depth, and has a fascinating look. He is an actor with a gift for naturalism. They are very much in sync in this cleverly woven Manhattan tale.
A relationship viewed from the past and present!
Reno-Rangan4 January 2018
Not easy to understand in just one watch. But still it does justice for watching it once. Too random sequences of present and past, though the point was proven. It's nothing, but a simple romance drama. Most close to the real world relationship. You would still feel the cinematic effect, yet if you encounter a scene that happened in your life and around you, that won't be a surprise. Because a relationship has to go through such phases.
I felt like the dialogues should have been much better, because I can't point out it was whether editing issue or the dialogues. At the end, I realised it was the character Peter, designed in that way. Yep, he seems an average, particularly his skills against women, are poor. So I felt bad for Vandy to get trapped with such person. But love can strike anywhere to/with anyone, right! This is a decent film if you like to take a chance, because it is not your regular romance-drama.
6.5/10
I felt like the dialogues should have been much better, because I can't point out it was whether editing issue or the dialogues. At the end, I realised it was the character Peter, designed in that way. Yep, he seems an average, particularly his skills against women, are poor. So I felt bad for Vandy to get trapped with such person. But love can strike anywhere to/with anyone, right! This is a decent film if you like to take a chance, because it is not your regular romance-drama.
6.5/10
Flashbacks and flash-forwards illustrate the love affair of two young New Yorkers
ScoobySnacks666 November 2021
Despite what other reviewers have said, Peter and Vandy is a well made indie romcom that explores young men and women's underdeveloped EQ in our late 20s/ early 30s and how it can lead to a less than desirable relationship. The movie is cut into non-linear vignettes, some where the two share incredible chemistry and others that reveal troublesome incompatibilities. As the story unfolds, it explores insecurity, immaturity and lack of skill in communicating - there are times where Peter even comes across as an abuser. Ultimately it ends hopeful, suggesting, perhaps foolishly so, that if we commit to one another, we can grow and strengthen the bond we have with the partners we choose to love.
Let it Hurt You the Sweet Way
Ghostflowers24 August 2012
This was bloody fantastic. Beautiful. Not overdone, just perfect, with its simplicities, complexities, nuances, tremors and silences. Why 6? I really don't understand it. I cannot imagine anyone voting for lesser than 7 for this one at least. Strong leads, poignant, perfect emotions, and a fulfilling ending. Overwhelms, in a happy, warm way that nudges you, but doesn't push you over. Control and release, repeat.
This is a rant that is from the obvious movie rush that I am suffering from. I probably won't stop.
Nevermind. I will make my point here, once again-please do watch it. It hurts in a sweet, sweet way. Yes.
This is a rant that is from the obvious movie rush that I am suffering from. I probably won't stop.
Nevermind. I will make my point here, once again-please do watch it. It hurts in a sweet, sweet way. Yes.
boring, uninteresting & not very well made
jaybob24 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Some viewers are comparing this to '500 Days of Summer' and liking it better. I was disappointed in it, BUT compared to this bore. '500 Days of Summer' was great,it at least was interesting.
'Peter & Vandy' has a total running time of 79 minutes (including 10 minutes of credits (opening & closing.
I feel sorry for those who spent money to view this. even renting the DVD is not worth it, (there are no extras)/
Jay DiPietro is the writer & director. His idea of having a time shift for some scenes is not bad BUT, the time period & settings are about the same. Confusing top say the least.
Jason Ritter is Peter and Jess Weixler is Vandy, Jason tries hard, but Miss Weixler does not come across.
No one in cast comes over as even likable, they are not persons I would care to see again.
As per IMDb it had a very short run in only one theatre,it was a Sundance Festival selection.. IMHO Sundance is not as good as it was when they started out. What s big let down
Ratings: * (out of 4): 33 points (out of 100) IMDb 3 (out of 10)
'Peter & Vandy' has a total running time of 79 minutes (including 10 minutes of credits (opening & closing.
I feel sorry for those who spent money to view this. even renting the DVD is not worth it, (there are no extras)/
Jay DiPietro is the writer & director. His idea of having a time shift for some scenes is not bad BUT, the time period & settings are about the same. Confusing top say the least.
Jason Ritter is Peter and Jess Weixler is Vandy, Jason tries hard, but Miss Weixler does not come across.
No one in cast comes over as even likable, they are not persons I would care to see again.
As per IMDb it had a very short run in only one theatre,it was a Sundance Festival selection.. IMHO Sundance is not as good as it was when they started out. What s big let down
Ratings: * (out of 4): 33 points (out of 100) IMDb 3 (out of 10)
Real and Romantic
lhhung_himself4 February 2010
Yes this is a bit like 500 days of Summer but without the gimmicks. What I didn't like about 500 days of Summer was that the characters were too compatible at times and suddenly became incompatible for no reason.
In Peter and Vandy, however, the problems between the two are always there in the background. The characters may not understand what's happening but the audience can certainly see the seeds of discord.
The dialogue is touching and real, when they are getting along, when they are fighting, when they are learning about each other and when they truly know each other. The fight over the pb and j was brilliant.
Ritter and Weixler give subtle and believable performances. Rather than overwrought Oscar dialogue, simple looks and glances expressed their hope, hurt, happiness and disappointment. A very refreshing change.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good romantic story that tugs on the heartstrings and brings tears to your eyes, without insulting your intelligence.
In Peter and Vandy, however, the problems between the two are always there in the background. The characters may not understand what's happening but the audience can certainly see the seeds of discord.
The dialogue is touching and real, when they are getting along, when they are fighting, when they are learning about each other and when they truly know each other. The fight over the pb and j was brilliant.
Ritter and Weixler give subtle and believable performances. Rather than overwrought Oscar dialogue, simple looks and glances expressed their hope, hurt, happiness and disappointment. A very refreshing change.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good romantic story that tugs on the heartstrings and brings tears to your eyes, without insulting your intelligence.
Emotionally Abusive Peter and the Abused Vandy
asoapboxopera6 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
On a scale of 1 to 10 for movies, with 10 being great, this is a 0.
As a movie about emotional abuse, however, this movie is an 8. Peter is emotionally abusive, and a perfect example of emotional abuse. Here are the warning signs, in order (chronologically, not the movie order, because the movie order jumps around).
The tell-tale signs of emotional abuse are usually an inability to articulate exactly what's wrong, but you know you're feeling bad about yourself. The emotional abuser will often make snide comments, and then follow them up with something "nice" to balance it, and then go back to snide right after. It's a confusing cycle of emotions. In the movie Peter and Vandy, this started initially, when he insinuated she needed to avoid fatty foods, without her asking.
Then, when they met again, he pretended he wasn't trying to date her, and then made her feel guilty about how he felt about her, and that she'd throw away the crossword he gave her. So she says she'll date him. She might even want to date him. But that's not without manipulation and guilt on his part, which are also key characteristics of emotional abusers.
There are little red flags to watch out for, because they're usually "minor" things that are hard to call big, but all together are huge-- they're significant because they are constant character assassinations by the abuser, and chip away the abused person's self esteem.
One such red flag is later in the story, when Peter said he was "angry" that she would ask him what he was thinking about. If he is angry about a very normal question, a harmless question, how in the world do you think he'll react to actual issues? I assure you, it's a huge red flag. It's a warning sign for the other behavioral problems they have, and which the person they're around will sadly have to deal with if they stay with them.
In a later scene, Peter is a full-blown, without a doubt, emotional abuser to Vandy. He very cruelly berates her over a quirk she has while making a sandwich. And on top of that, it was a sandwich she made for him. He repeatedly calls her stupid and crazy. Anyone who has witnessed or gone through emotionally abusive situations will recognize this immediately. You're trying to take care of them, and you really do nothing wrong-- they just take out their emotions on you, and intentionally inflict that harm on you. They do know what they're doing. They're manipulative. And they'll come back and apologize.
Another thing to remember is the emotional abuser will sometimes say exactly how bad they are: they say they're evil, or they're a bad person--- trust them on this and leave. They will use this as an excuse for how they'll treat you later. Trust me, this is the truth. Leave now. Save yourself. You might try to fix them, but being with them doesn't fix them. It only breaks you. Please believe me.
Near the end of the movie, Peter decides he's not happy with Vandy--- note: Peter, and most other emotional abusers, are cynical, angry, and unhappy people, and bring that negativity to everything and everyone they deal with. So don't ever believe it's you--- it's entirely them. He's unhappy--- no surprise, because he's always unhappy. He then says he wants to leave her. This is a classic threat with emotional abusers: they threaten to leave you, so you'll beg them to stay. Treat it like a blessing and let them go. Sadly, in the movie, Vandy pleads that he never leave her. Then, discovering he is interested in someone else, Vandy thankfully leaves him. He wants her back later, and she even acknowledges he's not good with her, but sadly also takes blame that isn't hers to borrow- she thinks she's not good to him. But the truth is, entirely, that he's emotionally abusive, and stringing her along, and upset that he doesn't have anyone to berate anymore. Period.
Unfortunately she goes back to him, and unfortunately it will take time to realize how horrible he really is, for herself, and to leave on her own accord again. But, thankfully, some women leave early. But sadly, a lot of women have to reach rock bottom before they get out, and have to rebuild their self esteem. Emotional abusers rarely stop at verbal abuse; it can lead to physical abuse.
Another movie that captures emotional abuse (and physical abuse) very very well is "Reviving Ophelia" with Jane Kaczmarek. It is shockingly realistic in terms of the mindset of both the abused and the abuser.
This movie, Peter and Vandy, represents emotional abuse very well, and I want everyone who sees it to recognize the signs for both themselves and anyone else they see suffering through it. Please help them see the way out, because when they're being abused they don't realize they deserve better. They deserve better. You deserve better.
That's why I'm making a strong point of this to remind people that there's no need to stand for this emotional abuse.
Here are very good links about emotional abuse that I hope will benefit people reading this:
Please call 1-800-792-7233 , especially if you feel uncomfortable using your computer (I recommend going to the library if you need a safer computer); or if you can't talk, they have an online chat option.)
http://www.compassionpower.com/walking-on-eggshells/
http://www.thehotline.org/
http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/
http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/
Good luck and please know that you and your loved ones are worth so much more than this emotional abuse. You will survive and you will thrive. Believe me, it will all be okay.
As a movie about emotional abuse, however, this movie is an 8. Peter is emotionally abusive, and a perfect example of emotional abuse. Here are the warning signs, in order (chronologically, not the movie order, because the movie order jumps around).
The tell-tale signs of emotional abuse are usually an inability to articulate exactly what's wrong, but you know you're feeling bad about yourself. The emotional abuser will often make snide comments, and then follow them up with something "nice" to balance it, and then go back to snide right after. It's a confusing cycle of emotions. In the movie Peter and Vandy, this started initially, when he insinuated she needed to avoid fatty foods, without her asking.
Then, when they met again, he pretended he wasn't trying to date her, and then made her feel guilty about how he felt about her, and that she'd throw away the crossword he gave her. So she says she'll date him. She might even want to date him. But that's not without manipulation and guilt on his part, which are also key characteristics of emotional abusers.
There are little red flags to watch out for, because they're usually "minor" things that are hard to call big, but all together are huge-- they're significant because they are constant character assassinations by the abuser, and chip away the abused person's self esteem.
One such red flag is later in the story, when Peter said he was "angry" that she would ask him what he was thinking about. If he is angry about a very normal question, a harmless question, how in the world do you think he'll react to actual issues? I assure you, it's a huge red flag. It's a warning sign for the other behavioral problems they have, and which the person they're around will sadly have to deal with if they stay with them.
In a later scene, Peter is a full-blown, without a doubt, emotional abuser to Vandy. He very cruelly berates her over a quirk she has while making a sandwich. And on top of that, it was a sandwich she made for him. He repeatedly calls her stupid and crazy. Anyone who has witnessed or gone through emotionally abusive situations will recognize this immediately. You're trying to take care of them, and you really do nothing wrong-- they just take out their emotions on you, and intentionally inflict that harm on you. They do know what they're doing. They're manipulative. And they'll come back and apologize.
Another thing to remember is the emotional abuser will sometimes say exactly how bad they are: they say they're evil, or they're a bad person--- trust them on this and leave. They will use this as an excuse for how they'll treat you later. Trust me, this is the truth. Leave now. Save yourself. You might try to fix them, but being with them doesn't fix them. It only breaks you. Please believe me.
Near the end of the movie, Peter decides he's not happy with Vandy--- note: Peter, and most other emotional abusers, are cynical, angry, and unhappy people, and bring that negativity to everything and everyone they deal with. So don't ever believe it's you--- it's entirely them. He's unhappy--- no surprise, because he's always unhappy. He then says he wants to leave her. This is a classic threat with emotional abusers: they threaten to leave you, so you'll beg them to stay. Treat it like a blessing and let them go. Sadly, in the movie, Vandy pleads that he never leave her. Then, discovering he is interested in someone else, Vandy thankfully leaves him. He wants her back later, and she even acknowledges he's not good with her, but sadly also takes blame that isn't hers to borrow- she thinks she's not good to him. But the truth is, entirely, that he's emotionally abusive, and stringing her along, and upset that he doesn't have anyone to berate anymore. Period.
Unfortunately she goes back to him, and unfortunately it will take time to realize how horrible he really is, for herself, and to leave on her own accord again. But, thankfully, some women leave early. But sadly, a lot of women have to reach rock bottom before they get out, and have to rebuild their self esteem. Emotional abusers rarely stop at verbal abuse; it can lead to physical abuse.
Another movie that captures emotional abuse (and physical abuse) very very well is "Reviving Ophelia" with Jane Kaczmarek. It is shockingly realistic in terms of the mindset of both the abused and the abuser.
This movie, Peter and Vandy, represents emotional abuse very well, and I want everyone who sees it to recognize the signs for both themselves and anyone else they see suffering through it. Please help them see the way out, because when they're being abused they don't realize they deserve better. They deserve better. You deserve better.
That's why I'm making a strong point of this to remind people that there's no need to stand for this emotional abuse.
Here are very good links about emotional abuse that I hope will benefit people reading this:
Please call 1-800-792-7233 , especially if you feel uncomfortable using your computer (I recommend going to the library if you need a safer computer); or if you can't talk, they have an online chat option.)
http://www.compassionpower.com/walking-on-eggshells/
http://www.thehotline.org/
http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/
http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/
Good luck and please know that you and your loved ones are worth so much more than this emotional abuse. You will survive and you will thrive. Believe me, it will all be okay.
Real life relationship
imdb-956122 January 2009
Just saw Peter and Vandy at Sundance, and I'm hoping it gets picked up for distribution. This was one of the most realistic movie relationships I've ever seen, and the actors are spot on. As the director said in Q&A this morning, the stars could convey so much with a single look that he was able to cut various small chunks of dialog from the original script. I won't ruin this film by telling you whether the ending is a happy or sad one, but it's definitely a real one.
Don't be put off by the knowledge that the film bounces back and forth in time. At first you think that this is just a cute stylistic choice, but before long you come to believe that the story requires it. Just when you think you know what's going on and what's going to happen, there's another time shift and you discover that all your assumptions were wrong. It adds a number of very welcome surprises, the kind that you don't expect in a romantic comedy.
Highly recommended.
Don't be put off by the knowledge that the film bounces back and forth in time. At first you think that this is just a cute stylistic choice, but before long you come to believe that the story requires it. Just when you think you know what's going on and what's going to happen, there's another time shift and you discover that all your assumptions were wrong. It adds a number of very welcome surprises, the kind that you don't expect in a romantic comedy.
Highly recommended.
Better than "500 Days of Summer"
pepperpik22 September 2009
I had a chance to see "Peter and Vandy" at the Gen Art Film Festival a few months back and heard it's coming out in theaters in a few weeks. I'm happy it found distribution cause I really enjoyed this film. It's a quirky love story told out of sequence. If you think this sounds a bit like "500 Days of Summer," you're kind of right. The thing is, I actually liked "Peter and Vandy" better. At times I found "500 Days of Summer" a bit too clever for its own good, although I dug the film. "Peter and Vandy" doesn't resort to the type of sight gags that bogged down "Summer." This is a simpler and more heartfelt story, and I appreciated that. It's an enjoyable film that's worth seeing.
I Loved It!
Valriem20 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I first saw the last part of this movie by accident on TV. I then watched it from the beginning on Netflix. Then another time with my husband, who actually stayed awake and liked it as well! I thought the acting was perfect by both Jason and Jess. I would love to read the play from which this was taken. My only question and confusion came in the wedding scene. Whose wedding was it, because both his friends and her family were there. Also, it seemed that she came across as more of a jerk in this scene than in any other part of the movie. Not sure why? It was after the big breakup and I guess she harbored more anger than before towards him?
Fabulous
random_guy213 June 2009
I saw this film at the Waterfront Film Festival and was very impressed. The script is very sharp; it was both the funniest and most moving film I saw at the festival, and was filled with acutely observed moments and truths about relationships. The direction and acting were also superb. In particular Jess Weixler turned in an amazing complex and nuanced performance as Vandy.
I would highly recommend this film. It is an auspicious first film for writer/director Jay DiPietro.
(stupid line minimum)
(stupid line minimum)
I would highly recommend this film. It is an auspicious first film for writer/director Jay DiPietro.
(stupid line minimum)
(stupid line minimum)
wonderful - simple story of actual life
cekadah30 March 2013
i found this movie and decided to watch it because i recognized Jason Ritter from a previous movie (A Bag of Hammers). and i am delighted with this choice as the story is told with no fancy put-on or make believes.
the plot is simple, but the director Jay DiPietro, keeps the viewer from anticipating the next scene or level of their relationship with a wonderful use of flashbacks and flash forwards. but as this relationship progresses you can see that the old saying 'familiarity breeds contempt' finds its way between Peter and Vandy.
i do not want to spoil the next viewers watching of this charming flick but let me give you a hint - keep your eyes on the bundle of snapdragon flowers! enjoy!
the plot is simple, but the director Jay DiPietro, keeps the viewer from anticipating the next scene or level of their relationship with a wonderful use of flashbacks and flash forwards. but as this relationship progresses you can see that the old saying 'familiarity breeds contempt' finds its way between Peter and Vandy.
i do not want to spoil the next viewers watching of this charming flick but let me give you a hint - keep your eyes on the bundle of snapdragon flowers! enjoy!
... one of the hands-down better rom-coms
bjarias2 November 2014
Relationships are difficult.. they all have issues. Do these two stay together long term.. who knows.. watch again the very end of the film from the wedding scenes... and you decide. Ritter and Weixler do a wonderful job in this smart, engaging film. Many one-on-one romance films are quite enjoyable. But very rarely do you watch a romantic comedy and wish it would go on longer. This is a relatively short film at 80 minutes... and yet one of the more entertaining of the group. Obviously, it's all because of the two of them. Jess Weixler is not a huge Hollywood name.. for this film they matched up very well though, and she is exceptional. It's a favorite film... with a great ending track.. 'Overture' by Patrick Wolf ... bit.ly/1DOORTK ) PS.. this is a film you must watch a second time.. but start from the very end going back (overlapping) 10-15 minutes each time. This might be the only film you can do this and get more out of it than you'd ever believe possible.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
