Chop Cheese (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

2026 HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

A young man, Dante (Luca Rickman), becomes obsessed with growing up—hoping that the man at the corner store, Mark Lake, calls him “boss” instead of “kid.” As he goes back, time and time again, to get a Chop Cheese, he finds himself stuck in an endless loop of longing. 

Chop Cheese is steeped in star power. Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Christopher Meloni, and Michael Gandolfini are some of the notable names present in this short film; yet, Rickman is the featured player. An opportunity like this can cause a young actor to do one of two things: collapse under the pressure or step up and deliver a spectacular performance. Rickman never misses a beat, never fails to deliver emotion—and he’s often capable of presenting viewers with something subtly funny that keeps them reeled in and engaged throughout. 

Writer-Director Sophia Meloni films in authentic locations, possessing a sense of realism that can’t typically be accomplished on a sound stage. Dropping viewers right into the action, into the bodega where Dante spends so much of his time, we are forced to understand and appreciate his vision in life, his purpose, the goals that he has set for himself. 

What’s so brilliant about the narrative structure of Chop Cheese is the fact that it avoids becoming silly or overly repetitive. Sure, the film relies on seeing the same thing happen again and again, but S. Meloni knows when to shift the focus and alter the narrative. As much as the film is about Dante attempting to find his place in life, attempting to be accepted by those around him, it’s just as much about responsibility and the consequences of our actions. In some ways Chop Cheese becomes anecdotal, almost warning younger audiences that every choice comes with a toll. While the film is direct in its messaging, it’s never aggressive—remaining subtle enough that viewers are able to consume information at their own pace, rather than being force fed something that may not be of interest to them. 

Chop Cheese is well paced, and even more effectively structured. The film gets its point across, but also provides instances of wholesome narrative as well. With Rickman leading the way the film does incredibly well presenting viewers with emotion, relevant topics, and an easy-to-follow, but powerful narrative. 

P.S. If you haven’t had an authentic chop cheese before, get yourself to your closest bodega (preferably in New York City) and treat yourself to heaven. 

Written & Directed by Sophia Meloni. 

Starring Luca Rickman, Mark Lake, Isabel Gillies, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Michael Gandolfini, Christopher Meloni, etc. 

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING