Always Been You

Written by Victor Quinaz for the Emmy-winning television series Big Mouth, this contemporary comedic duologue explores an unexpected adult reunion in a dystopian future. The narrative tracks Nick and Jessi as they meet in their forties, reconnecting over past shared history just as planetary destruction looms. What begins as an awkward, performative encounter rapidly transitions into an earnest confession of an unresolved crush before plunging into an absurd survival proposal.

Nick has spent decades hiding behind a hollow, slick corporate persona, masking his deep-seated insecurities with manufactured vocal affectations. In contrast, Jessi is sharp, grounded, and unapologetically honest, immediately dismantling Nick's polished presentation to demand his authentic self. Beneath their adult cynicism, both characters still grapple with childhood vulnerabilities, creating an engaging tension between genuine emotional reconnection and chaotic external circumstances.

This three-minute scene gives comedic performers a dynamic platform to demonstrate sharp comedic timing, vocal versatility, and rapid emotional shifts. Actors can showcase their ability to transition smoothly from satirical character work to grounded vulnerability, followed by playing high-stakes absurdity with total commitment. Casting directors will see an actor capable of balancing heightened contemporary satire with authentic relationship stakes.

This material is ideally tailored for actors playing in the 35 to 45 age range who naturally align with Everyman, Quirky, Comic Relief, and Outsider casting types. It serves as an entertaining selection for comedic self-tapes, agent showcases, or general classroom practice. Performers with strong comedic instincts who want to demonstrate both broad character range and intimate chemistry will benefit from this dialogue.

Emphasize the sharp vocal and physical contrast between the artificial media persona and the vulnerable, everyday human underneath. Resist the temptation to comment on the bizarre apocalyptic circumstances or the climactic punchlines, as treating the surreal stakes with absolute gravity generates the strongest comedic payoff. Allow the brief romantic moment between the characters to breathe genuinely before the sudden pivot into chaotic survival mode.