Shortcomings

Ben Tagawa is a dreaming filmmaker who has dropped out of film school. He lives in Berkeley with his girlfriend Miko, who is heavily involved in advocating for Asian American film issues, showcasing a cultural divide in their interests.

While managing an arthouse movie theater, Ben hires a young white woman named Autumn as a ticket seller. This new work dynamic adds complexity to Ben's personal life as he juggles his feelings for Miko and his growing connection with others.

Tensions escalate when Miko discovers explicit material on Ben's computer, leading her to worry about his attractions. During a heated argument, Miko reveals her acceptance of an internship in New York City, which leaves Ben feeling blindsided.

Ben meets with his best friend Alice at a diner, where Alice engages playfully with a waitress named Nina. This meeting serves as a distraction for Ben as he tries to process the turmoil in his relationship with Miko.

When a phone call with Miko in New York goes poorly, she suggests taking a break from their relationship. Impulsively, Ben asks Autumn out on a date, but his inappropriate joke leads to an awkward rejection, highlighting his struggles with relationships.

Feeling down after his rejection by Autumn, Ben attends a lively queer house party with Alice. It’s here that he meets Sasha, a graduate student, and they begin a romantic relationship that gives Ben a temporary sense of hope.

Sasha eventually ends her relationship with Ben, revealing she was not entirely single when they started dating. Adding to the turmoil, Ben learns that the arthouse theater he manages is facing potential closure, pushing him further into a state of despair.

Alice encourages Ben to join her in New York, noting that he has hit rock bottom. Ben takes this advice to heart, seeking a fresh start and reprieve from the troubles he faces back in Berkeley.

Upon arriving in New York, Ben is shocked to discover that Alice is in a serious relationship with Meredith, a Barnard professor. This revelation complicates his visit, forcing him to confront renewed feelings of jealousy and confusion.

Attempting to reconnect with Miko during her internship, Ben is stunned to learn she hasn't started working and is instead modeling for Leon, a white fashion designer with whom she has a past. This revelation leads to feelings of jealousy and resentment.

Ben accuses Leon of exploiting Miko due to her race in a heated confrontation. Miko, in turn, calls out Ben's hypocrisy and highlights the communication issues in their relationship, ultimately leading to a mutual decision to end things.

Feeling guilty for the tension he caused between Alice and Meredith, Ben seeks out Meredith to apologize. This moment of accountability reflects Ben’s desire to mend relationships while grappling with his own emotional maturity.

As he rushes towards Miko and Leon's apartment, Ben observes them enjoying time together in a café. This moment serves as a turning point for Ben, where he realizes he must let go of his past relationships and begin to confront his flaws.

With a new perspective, Ben decides to return to Berkeley. His journey has allowed him to confront his own flaws and relationship dynamics, hinting at personal growth amid the chaos of his romantic life.