Backward Motion

Backward Motion follows Sam Bryant, a marketing professional whose carefully constructed life in Austin collapses after years of pressure, anxiety and an unhealthy relationship. During an important work presentation, Sam suffers a severe panic attack and loses his job. His boyfriend, Felix, offers little support and continues cheating while convincing Sam that his own emotional needs are unreasonable. Overwhelmed and unable to cope alone, Sam returns to his hometown of Oakdale to live with his parents. Back in the bedroom he left years earlier, Sam feels ashamed that his successful city life has disappeared. He begins taking medication and searching for temporary work while trying to recover. His father finds him an administrative position at Finnegan’s Electrical, a small local business run by Connor Finnegan. Connor remembers Sam from high school, where Sam was confident, fashionable and openly gay. Connor had once believed Sam was one of the lucky people who escaped Oakdale and built a better life. Connor himself stayed behind to work with his father, whose serious health problems eventually left Connor responsible for most of the business.…