EXPECTATIONS
An interactive narrative short film by Sara Brink
THE STORY
Jane wakes up to her husband John penetrating and commencing sex with her. As she freezes and dissociates, she ruminates on conversations she's had and heard about what counts as sexual assault, and what her own responsibility is in maintaining marital intimacy. As Jane revisits her sexual history with John, she remembers everything - the good, the bad, and the ugly - as well as the good faith attempts she made to align their sexual needs and her own safety. While John's act is never overtly labeled "rape," it becomes clear that it is a violation of Jane's consent, and the conclusion is left ambiguous as the audience and the couple are left with that violation hanging in the air between them.
THE AUDIENCE
Originally written as an 8-page short, Expectations has been adapted into an interactive story that asks the audience to examine the social expectations that shape the way that Jane navigates the dissolution of her marriage by participating in the narrative. Using an app synced to the film, the audience is asked questions about what they just witnessed, which influences what they then see.
This film is intended to spark reflection and conversation about the costs of gender roles and socialization. The new, interactive format creates the container for that conversation while relieving the audience from the burden of identifying themselves as either victims or perpetrators.
THE IMPACT
One third
Women who reported having "unwanted sex" with their partners.
Fewer than 1 in 3
99%
Sexual assaults reported to the authorities.
Perpetrators of rape who are male.
8 out of 10
Sexual assaults committed by someone the victim knows.
Approximately 3 out of 4
College-aged women who had been legally raped, but didn't identify it as such.
88%
College-aged men who were adamant that their actions were not rape, though they admitted to actions that fit the legal definition.
95.1%
Men surveyed who reported using at least one coercion tactic to pursue sex knowing the woman did not cosent.
From the Shadow to the Light
Expectations confronts one of the most common yet unseen forms of sexual assault within intimate relationships. It reveals how emotional disconnection and dehumanization between partners seeds an ever-widening divide between women and men.
Written by director Sara Brink from her lived experience, the film seeks to spark perspective-bridging conversations and prevent further harm. In an era where powerful politicians and tech companies amplify misogyny and embolden social and political division, Expectations calls on artists and audiences alike to rebuild empathy and accountability.
INVEST
As an interactive cinematic experience, Expectations is uniquely situated in film as a high-value educational tool.
With a powerhouse team of collaborators including the Bay Area's most impactful filmmakers, trauma-informed therapists and coaches, and a premiere interactive video platform, Expectations is positioned to independently make an ROI through direct B2B and B2C licensing and sales without the need for a studio pickup or theatrical distribution.
Invest: Join our private equity pool with first-out payback via municipal rebates.
Donate: Make a 100% tax-deductible contribution via BAVC 501(c)(3).
Sponsor: Host a filming location or sponsor catering/services for local crew.
READ ACT ONE
TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual assault