The Way We Speak

This intense drama follows ambitious writer Simon (brilliantly played by Patrick Fabian) whose life unravels after his best friend and promised debate opponent at a thought-leader summit, has a heart attack. Simon, a futurist and essayist on atheism, must then debate a bestselling Christian author instead for the prize at the prestigious conference. The multi-part debate about the existence or absence of God turns out to really be about who is the better person. “It’s combat, love.” Ignoring his brilliant wife who is dying of cancer, the pompous and insecure Simon refuses to leave the spotlight, leading to an obsession over his new opponent. Pathetically vying for fame as an intellectual thought leader, egos flare, with Fabian delivering a fantastic Shakespearean performance as the loathsome tragic figure who finds out much too late what really matters. Beautifully shot and boasting powerful performances all-around, this intellectually riveting film feels like a throwback to the kind of classic character-driven dramas that are so rarely made today. (Florida Film Festival)