The Dare Project is a two-part short film series written and directed by Adam Salky and David Brind. It began with the original short film Dare in 2005, which gained recognition on the LGBTQ+ film festival circuit for its honest and nuanced portrayal of adolescent desire and self-discovery. The story centers on high school senior Ben, a quiet, reserved drama student who unexpectedly shares an intimate moment with the schoolβs confident and seemingly straight jock, Johnny.
What made Dare stand out at the time was its willingness to explore same-sex attraction in a sensitive yet charged way, without relying on stereotypes. The chemistry between Ben and Johnny in their emotionally loaded scene resonated with audiences, particularly young queer viewers, as it captured the ambiguity, tension, and risk of exploring forbidden feelings during adolescence.
Over a decade later, in 2018, the filmmakers revisited the story with The Dare Project, a 15-minute follow-up that brought the same charactersβand actorsβback together as adults. The sequel imagines what happens when Ben and Johnny reconnect after years apart, forcing them to confront the consequences and unresolved emotions stemming from their teenage encounter. The new installment adds depth to their dynamic, exploring how sexuality, identity, and emotional vulnerability evolve over time.
The juxtaposition of the two films, shot 13 years apart with the same leads (Michael Cassidy as Johnny and Adam Fleming as Ben), gives the project a unique authenticity and emotional resonance. It becomes not just a story about two individuals but a commentary on time, memory, and personal growth. The performances are subtle but powerful, with understated dialogue and lingering silence used to full effect.
The Dare Project has been praised for its mature treatment of queer identity, showing that the impact of a single formative moment can ripple through the years. It speaks to both the confusion of youth and the complexity of adulthood, asking: Can we ever truly move on from the people who shaped us?
Whether viewed as a standalone piece or as a paired narrative, The Dare Project remains an evocative and tender exploration of longing, masculinity, and the emotional truths we carry with us.
