Drama,
12:09 minutes,
English,
ON,
2010
Synopsis
A psychological portrait of a sociopathic date rapist prowling for new victims on a lonely night.
In his search for fresh blood, he sets his sights on one unfortunate young woman, but discovers he’s not the only predator in search of new prey.
Creative team
Writer/director/producer: Cody Campanale
Personal statement
Cody Campanale says:
"I made Roofies and Romance to demolish what I think is a dangerous stereotype. The common image of a sexual predator is someone hiding in the bushes with a bag over his head, slipping out to attack his victims and then scurrying back into the shadows. With this thinking, the date rapist is a socially incapable outcast, an easily recognizable stereotype.
I don't buy that. I think sexual predators walk amongst us and can pass for normal. I think they have the ability to hide their desires to capture and abuse women - or hide it just enough to go about their twisted activities more efficiently. I don't believe predators are all shuffling mumblers with shifty eyes. I'm certain that, just by walking the streets, we likely pass by at least one sociopath in every 25 pedestrians.
This is my first professional short film. I've worked on a variety of film projects, but this is the first that I have written and directed for the public. I am deeply proud of the end result, and watching the final cut fills me with admiration and respect for the work of my cast and crew.
I hope that the audience will appreciate my efforts to make a film that doesn't subscribe to the idea that sex offenders are idiosyncratic boogey men. They are people, and their ability to present themselves as people first is what allows them to go about their misdeeds."