Black, Queer, and in Love

‘Almost Us’ Is the Spring Rom-Com We’ve Been Waiting For

By John Stein

With humor, chemistry, and heart, Almost Us explores what happens when desire collides with

power—and when love becomes inseparable from legacy and community survival.

Premiering April 17 on Watch VIM, the new romantic comedy from filmmaker Anthony Bawn opens with

a fiery one-night stand between Darren, a closeted and politically connected real estate developer, and Jason, an openly queer and charismatic community organizer. What begins as a moment of

passion soon becomes far more complicated when Darren’s luxury redevelopment project threatens the

Baldwin Cultural Center, a beloved sanctuary and organizing hub for Phoenix’s marginalized communities. “There are awkward run-ins and plenty of laughs along the way,” says Bawn, who also stars as Jason. “The connection between Darren and Jason forces them to face what they’ve both been avoiding: the difference between wanting someone and being willing to be seen with them.” Speaking from his Phoenix based studio, Bawn shared more about the film, his streaming platform, and the personal experiences that helped shape Almost Us.

John Stein: What inspired you to launch your own streaming platform, Watch VIM?

Anthony Bawn: What inspired me to launch Watch VIM was the need for ownership and access. I

got tired of creating stories and always feeling like we had to wait for permission from someone else to be seen. I wanted to build a home for original content, independent films, and voices that don’t always get prioritized by the larger platforms. Watch VIM became bigger than just streaming. It’s about creating opportunity, visibility, and a space where our stories can live on our own terms.

JS: How extensive is the Watch VIM catalog right now?

AB: We have a growing catalog of films and series, and a strong portion of that content comes

directly from my own productions and projects developed under VIM. A lot of what’s on the platform

reflects the kind of stories I care deeply about telling: character driven, emotional, bold, and rooted

in communities that deserve more screen time. At the same time, the goal is to keep expanding so the

platform becomes a home for other filmmakers who need a place to showcase their work.

JS: What inspired the story behind Almost Us?

AB: Almost Us was inspired by the emotional gray areas in love— relationships that feel real, deep,

and meaningful but still somehow never fully become what you hoped they would. I wanted to explore

timing, vulnerability, fear, and connection, especially through the lens of Black queer men, in a way

that felt honest but still entertaining. It’s a romance comedy, but underneath there’s a lot of heart. It’s

really about the tension between what we say we want and what we’re actually ready for.

JS: The Baldwin Cultural Center plays an important role in the film. What do spaces like that mean to

you personally?

AB: Community centers represent safety, connection, and possibility. They’re places where people can

show up as they are, find resources, build relationships, and feel seen. That’s especially important in

communities where people may not always feel supported at home, at work, or in society in general.

Including that in the film was intentional because those spaces really do matter. They can be the

beginning of healing, growth, friendship, and even love.

JS: At its core, the film asks what people are willing to risk for love. Is that something you personally relate to?

AB: Absolutely—100 percent. There are so many moments in life where you know what you want, but going after it means being honest, vulnerable, and sometimes risking comfort, relationships, or the version of yourself people are used to. As a creative, as a business owner, and just as a person, I’ve had to make decisions that required faith and courage. So that theme is very personal to me.

JS: Have you ever dated someone like Darren—or do you see a little bit of him in yourself?

AB: I think most people have either met a Darren, loved a Darren, or at some point been a little like Darren themselves. Fortunately for me, my husband was the first guy I dated— and I married him! (Laughs.) That’s a whole other story. What makes Darren interesting is that he’s layered. He may care deeply, but he’s also dealing with his own fears, walls, and emotional timing. I can understand parts of that because none of us are perfect when it comes to love.

JS: What do you hope audiences take away from the film?

AB: More than anything, I hope audiences walk away feeling something real. I want them to

laugh, reflect, and maybe even see themselves in the story. I hope the film reminds people that love is

complicated, timing matters, and honesty with yourself is just as important as honesty with someone

else. On a bigger level, I hope Almost Us shows that Black queer love—along with the joy, confusion,

and vulnerability that come with it—deserves to be centered on screen in a full and honest way.

Almost Us premieres April 17 exclusively on

Watch VIM.