DINNER IN AMERICA (2020) w/ punk rock love songs pre-show
February 18 : 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
“An authentic and awkward love story between two outcasts who find solace in each other. It subverts the MPDG trope by giving us a neurodivergent woman who isnβt there to fix anyone and a love story that feels messy and real, rather than idealized.Β Dinner in AmericaΒ is a raw, uncomfortable, but ultimately heartfelt exploration of love, rebellion, and what it means to truly accept someone, weirdness and all.” – 34th Street
A DIY love letter to being authentically yourself, finding your voice, and being punk AF, DINNER IN AMERICA may just be the quintessential love story for Generation Z. In a dreary Midwestern suburb, aggro punk rocker Simon (Kyle Gallner) finds himself on the run again after a bout of arson and a close call with the police. A chance encounter with the spirited and socially awkward Patty (Emily Skeggs) provides him a place to lay low. As the two embark on a series of misadventures, they begin to realize they have a lot more in common than they first expected. Skillfully directed by Adam Rehmeier and set to the beat of brilliant original songs, DINNER IN AMERICA found an adoring audience on TikTok and Letterboxd, whose users have propelled the film from Sundance also-ran to true-blue cult cinema phenomenon. The film’s rough-edged but empowering story of misfits in love has particularly resonated with neurodivergent audiences who see a bit of themselves in Patty, an outcast who just wants to be accepted, not changed.
In honor of the incredible original tunes in Dinner in America (including the earworm “Watermelon Song”), a Punk Rock Love Songs pre-show will precede the film, starting at 6:30 pm.
This film is screening as part of Arkadin’s February 2026 series, OFFBEAT ROMANCE, featuring quirky tales of oddballs in love.
Arkadin does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. However, we encourage researching titles to determine if a screening may contain content that could be upsetting to you. Please feel free to contact us for guidance on specific films. Information about content can also be found on Common Sense Media, IMDB and DoesTheDogDie.com, as well as through general internet searches.
Theater Policies
- All seats are first-come, first-served.
- The theater opens 30 minutes prior to showtime, except for “Happy Hour” events and pre-shows when the theater opens at the listed start time.
- All ages are welcome at Arkadin except for Drinkolas Cage events, which are restricted to 21+. We follow the MPAA rating guidelines for all other films.
- Tickets can be purchased using the BUY TICKETS link above. Upon ordering, you will receive a confirmation email from Square. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the show at the concession counter.
- If you’ve purchased advance tickets, when you arrive, please give your name at the concession counter to check in.
- Tickets are returnable by sending a request through the contact form located on our About Us page prior to showtime.
- When an event is sold out, we reserve the right to release open seats to customers on the waitlist. If you have a pre-purchased ticket and arrive late and there is no seat for you, your ticket will be refunded.
- All screenings are held in our indoor theater unless indicated otherwise in the event description above.
- Please respect your fellow movie-goers by remaining quiet and refraining from using your cell phone throughout the screening.