FADE IN:
"Whatever you are looking for, is looking for you too" - SAUL WILLIAMS
Jeremy Self is a young northern man living with Autism. He has an inner voice that he uses to cope with his condition, we hear that voice. He has a weekly therapy session on zoom, this is how we are introduced to him on a call with therapist Melissa. He is navigating a world revolving on an axis different to his in pursuit to find love. He has set himself a purpose.
In the safe and organised space of his flat, where every object has its place - colour coded and ordered - at pinpoint precision. He is giving online dating a try and at the same time trying to understand 'what is love'. After a first date disaster in a Manchester basement bar. "It's too loud, too bright, too explicit and too panic inducing". He questions if he should even bother, is love reserved for others? He is the obstacle, but there is hope in the shape of a message in his inbox from Jessica Secret, who is a film lover and avid tap dancer. She too is navigating the online dating world, but this is her first date.
He is given the seemingly impossible task of picking their dating venue, but where? After his last date (seen through flashback). It's difficult to find a place that works in his spectrum. He is overwhelmed but after a discussion at his favourite café, which he visits daily for his morning coffee. It is his safe place from home. His friend and café owner Sammy, gives him fibre and much needed encouragement, to the ever-doubting Jeremy. He eventually picks Blackpool, the seaside, it beats bars and other such venues that won't suit. Barricading him and Jessica in the café alone and axe throwing in the extreme of ideas, did come up as options!
The date is awkward yet sweet with both parties trying.
They are sharing an ice-cream on the beach looking out to sea. Jeremy helps her get over her ice-cream headache, she doesn't call it a brain freeze. She feels this sounds better, "Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth it helps". Jessica declares that ......
He did not see that coming!
