Polished and often clever, William C. Sullivan’s “Jane Wants a Boyfriend” examines autism in the context of sisterly ties and intimate relationships. It’s a gold mine for emotional sparks, and in its title character, “Jane” offers the kind of role (see “Rain Man”) that is catnip to actors.
Jane (Louisa Krause) is a 20-something assistant costume designer for the theater, obsessed with movies and living in Queens with her parents, who are moving to rural New Jersey. She also has autism, which is a constant concern for her protective older sister, Bianca (the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alumna Eliza Dushku), a bartender and an actress in a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Now Bianca is moving in with her boyfriend, Rob (Amir Arison), in Brooklyn, and her parents want Jane to live with Bianca and Rob, despite Jane’s growing assertions of autonomy (and emerging libido). When Jack (Gabriel Ebert) — a bar regular of Bianca’s and a ne’er-do-well with relationships — takes a shining to Jane, Bianca’s cautionary instincts kick in.
Watch the trailer here.
Watch the trailer here.
