2005 SXSW Film Festival Official Program synopsis

AUTOMATIC chronicles the love lives of six friends like a much more dysfunctional version of the TV show Friends. The ensemble cast features Brad and Sara, who are in the midst of a messy breakup; Brad's friend Will, who gratifies himself to his alarm clock; his brother Randall, whose one-night stand may have stolen his car; and his attractive half-sister, Sam, whom Brad has not seen in several years.

While distraught over the end of his marriage, Brad finds himself awkwardly attracted to Sam, who has just moved to town. She feels embarrased at his bumbling advances, aware they might be developing as a result of his separation. Will encounters Austin in the street, who is being confronted by her boyfriend whom she just broke up with on a cassette tape. Will chases him off and as a thank you, Austin invites him for coffee. Will falls head-over-heels for her, and is eager to introduce her to his friends at his upcoming birthday party.

Randall makes himself available to Sara, who is feeling vulnerable after Brad leaves her.

AUTOMATIC manages to show how each character continues to make the same mistakes in love over and over again; failing to learn from the past and unable to suppress their own self-interests in order not to hurt someone else.

Jed Farrell - SXSW Film
2005 SXSW Film Festival Official Site