DWF:LA 2026 Review: “Souvenir” – Thoughtful and Funny!
Souvenir, the feature directorial debut from David Ketterer Spencer, is a charming indie drama that uses a seemingly simple premise to explore friendship, regret, and personal growth. What begins as a quirky search for the owner of a lost wallet gradually evolves into something more emotional and character-driven. Beneath its structure lies a story about two people carrying unresolved baggage, and the film succeeds because it understands that the real journey is not across New York City, but between two friends trying to reconnect.
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The story follows Kevin and Dani, who unexpectedly reunite after years of separation. Their encounter is awkward enough on its own, but before either can walk away, they discover a lost wallet belonging to a stranger. The pair decide to return it, setting off on an unpredictable journey across New York City. Along the way, they encounter unusual people, strange situations, and unexpected leads, all while avoiding the much harder conversation about what happened between them in the past. The wallet may provide the film’s narrative engine, but the emotional core remains firmly centered on Kevin and Dani.
One thing I really appreciated is that the film essentially balances two storylines simultaneously. On one hand, there is the mystery surrounding the wallet and its owner. The first act does a particularly good job making this storyline intriguing. As Kevin and Dani follow clues, they are introduced to a collection of eccentric characters, unexpected revelations, and hints about the owner’s complicated history. The film creates enough curiosity around this stranger that you want to know where the story is heading and why this wallet seems so important.
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However, beneath that mystery is the storyline that ultimately becomes the heart of the film: the relationship between Kevin and Dani. Without venturing into spoiler territory, the film gradually reveals that both characters are dealing with far more than just an awkward reunion. Certain decisions, behaviors, and conversations begin to carry additional meaning as more details emerge. There were moments where I found myself questioning some of Dani’s actions, only for later scenes to provide greater context and emotional clarity. The screenplay handles these revelations with patience, allowing the audience to slowly understand where both characters are coming from rather than spelling everything out immediately.
What makes these scenes work so well is the writing. Much of Souvenir consists of Kevin and Dani simply walking through New York, talking, arguing, reminiscing, and interacting with the people they encounter. That kind of structure only works if the dialogue feels natural and the characters are interesting enough to spend ninety minutes with, and thankfully both are true here. Dani is outspoken, impulsive, and willing to ask uncomfortable questions without hesitation. Kevin, meanwhile, is far more reserved, polite, and introspective. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that remains engaging throughout the film and gives many of their conversations both humor and emotional weight.
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Another major strength is the way New York City itself functions almost as an unseen character. The film makes excellent use of its locations, capturing the city’s energy, diversity, and unpredictability. Whether it’s the busy streets, tucked-away interiors, or the random encounters that only seem possible in a city this large, New York adds personality to nearly every scene. Cinematographer Arlene Muller deserves considerable credit here. The framing and visual composition consistently make the city feel alive, while Production Designer Samantha Shoffner helps create environments that feel authentic and lived-in. Together, they give the film a strong sense of place that enriches the overall experience.
Performance-wise, the film is carried exceptionally well by its two leads. Ruby Cruz is excellent as Dani, perfectly capturing both her extroverted nature and the more vulnerable emotions hiding beneath the surface. She has a natural screen presence that makes it easy to understand why Kevin remains invested in her despite their complicated history. Eric Berryman is equally effective as Kevin. His quieter performance complements Cruz beautifully, and much of his character’s emotional journey is communicated through subtle expressions, reactions, and body language rather than overt dialogue.
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If I had one reservation, it would be that both of the film’s central storylines could have benefited from slightly more dramatic weight. The wallet mystery, in particular, becomes less significant as the movie progresses and naturally gives way to Kevin and Dani’s relationship. While that shift clearly reflects David Ketterer Spencer’s priorities as a storyteller, adding a bit more tension and depth to both threads could have made certain moments land even more strongly.
Overall, Souvenir is a thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt independent film that succeeds because of its strong character work and engaging central performances. DTKS cleverly uses a city-wide adventure to explore themes of reconciliation, missed opportunities, and human connection. Anchored by Ruby Cruz and Eric Berryman’s chemistry and enhanced by a wonderfully realized New York setting, Souvenir is ultimately less about finding a lost wallet and more about finding your way back to someone who once mattered.
‘Souvenir (2026)’ Rating – 3.75/5
