Lynn Shelton’s filmmaking life was brief, asnd busy: Just 14 years elapsed between her coming-of-age first feature, “We Go Way Back” in 2006, and her death last week at age 54. In that short time, she directed eight theatrical features (writing the screenplay for seven of them) and dozens of television episodes. Here are five highlights from her career — most of them filmed in Seattle — and where to watch them.
“Humpday.” Shelton’s third film — and the one that brought her national attention (it was her first film to receive wide distribution) — is an unexpectedly sweet comedy about two straight male friends who dare themselves to make a gay porn film. (Streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes)
“Your Sister’s Sister.” My own favorite of Shelton’s work, this film showcases beautiful work from Mark Duplass, Emily Blunt and Rosemarie DeWitt as the three points of a fresh, funny triangle; a small story about siblinghood and friendship, masterfully told. (Streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes)
“Laggies.” Movies are full of man-child characters; this one charmingly presents a woman-child (Keira Knightley), stuck in arrested development as she spends her days hanging out with a teenager (Chloe Grace Moretz). (Streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes)