Disconnect

Disconnect follows four ordinary people whose lives collide in a world where screens blur the lines between private and public. Rich Boyd, a hard working lawyer, is perpetually reached by his phone and misses moments with his wife Lydia. An estranged couple finds a digital shelter as they drift apart, letting the internet fill the void. Mike Dixon, a widowed ex cop, tries to balance custody of a wild son with the pressures of a case that plays out online. Meanwhile Cindy Hull, an ambitious journalist, spots a teen performing on an adult site and wonders if the story could launch her career. As these stories intersect, the film examines how online connectivity reshapes trust, blame and vulnerability.

Directed by Henry Alex Rubin from a script by Andrew Stern, Disconnect moves from their joint creation to the screen, translating anxiety about online life into interwoven stories that feel timely and grounded. It uses familiar faces to anchor ideas.

The film drew limited notice on the festival circuit, with a handful of minor nominations and wins that highlighted its ensemble performances and topical resonance. While not a major awards contender, Disconnect found appreciation among critics for its frank portrayal of online life. Some viewers found its questions provocative.

The film contributed to conversations about how digital tools shape relationships and privacy, with viewers recalling scenes of online harassment and family disconnects. Its premise helped spark discussions about responsibility in a hyper connected world that continues to echo in later debates about social media.

Critics noted the film's layered structure as a strength, showing how separate lives tighten the web of cause and effect when private actions go public. The performances feel natural, and the stories echo current concerns about consent, surveillance, and empathy. It also raises questions about digital ethics in everyday life.