Sci-fi film “The Last Drop” debuts for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Illustration by Betsy Lecy

Adam Joel’s “The Last Drop” highlights the hidden signs of abuse through a short, sci-fi lens in time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez, Assistant Arts and Entertainment Editor

October 10, 2024

Content warning: This story discusses domestic abuse.

Chicago-based filmmaker and survivor of domestic violence Adam Joel (Communication ’18) debuted his abuse prevention, science-fiction short film “The Last Drop” for survivors, allies and those interested at a Zoom event Wednesday evening.

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Joel said he believed it was important to support the cause through film. All proceeds and donations to the premiere were donated to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICACV).

The coalition’s cause attracted the attention of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who made an appearance at the event and voiced his support for its mission: fighting against domestic abuse.

“ICADV is not only providing a safe space, but also legal services, counseling and even job training assistance that is helping survivors build a path to freedom and autonomy,” Pritzker said.

The fundraising event kicked off with Joel talking about his own experience with domestic violence and how he overlooked the signs of abuse while with his ex-girlfriend.

“She started to get jealous of any person, place or passion that took up my time or brought me joy,” Joel said. “I didn’t give up right away because I loved her — I thought that meant I stayed by her side no matter what.”

To make her happy, he said he blocked his female friends on social media and pretended to be sick around family as a ploy to spend more time with her.

It wasn’t until Joel opened up to his parents about his relationship experience that he understood something was wrong. Once his mother told him that he was being emotionally abused, Joel said he was frustrated that he didn’t spot the signs earlier.

“Why aren’t there any movies about abuse that help us spot those earlier signs?” Joel said.

Joel said he wanted to create a film that showcases the signs of abuse without violence, compared to mainstream films that seem to solely portray physical abuse.

The film tells the story of a young woman named Sofia (Molly Hernández) and her boyfriend named Anthony (Forrest Weber) who link minds via a device that allows them to relive shared memories. Once she detects signs of abuse, she must stop the cycle from continuing before he manipulates her lived experiences.

Following the film, Joel hosted a “Relationship Safety Talk” that provided attendees with 10 myths about toxic relationships and 10 lessons on how love can be healthier. For instance, Joel said the three essentials in your pocket — phone, wallet and keys — also represent what a healthy relationship should have.

“My phone represents my people,” Joel said. “My wallet represents my financial choices (and) my identity. My keys represent my freedom to come and go without being monitored or manipulated.”

Following the talk, there was a brief Q&A session, which held conversations about the filming process, what happened to Sofia after the film and Joel’s feelings about seeing some of his lived experiences take place in the story.

Several guest speakers also talked about the importance of raising awareness and supporting survivors, including former Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, Miss Kansas 2024 Alexis Smith, National Network to End Domestic Violence CEO Stephanie Love-Patterson and Sen. Dick Durbin (D–Ill.).

“If you are able to help your community financially, with your time (or) with your love and support, please do so because we are stronger together,” Hernández said.

Email: [email protected]
X: @alexbespeakin