REVIEW BY: Darren Zakus - 2/22/25

RATING 4 out of 5

When I'm Ready is a poignant exploration of humanity and love in the bleakest of times anchored by the wonderful pairing of Andrew Ortenberg and June Schreiner, making for a deeply moving end of the world romance that will tug on audiences’ heartstrings.

What would you do if the world was ending in a matter of days? Who would you spend it with? And what would be one of the last things that you would want to do before it all ends? These are the questions that writer and star Andrew Ortenberg grapples with in his feature writing debut, as he tells the story of two young lovers on a cross-country road trip set against a world ending extinction event. And while you may think that such a film would be devastatingly depressing, Ortenberg’s writing frames this story from the perspective of two youthful souls madly in love with each other, balancing the inherent darkness in the story with the magic of young love that masterfully results in a meaningful film that will connect with viewers on a deeper level. Combined with the strong direction of Andrew Johnson, making his directorial debut, and the effortless and infectious romantic connection between Ortenberg and his co-star June Schreiner, When I’m Ready is a moving exploration of love, humanity and the end of the world that will sit with audiences long after the credits have rolled.

Finding the humanity leading up to a mass extinction event is no easy feat given the fear and dread knowing that you are going to die will do to people, but Ortenberg paints an honest and beautiful portrait of two young lovers against the backdrop of the end of the world. Watching June and Michael fall in love is an endearing experience for viewers as this young couple uncovers their true feelings for each other on their cross country road trip. Many of the moments just see the young couple doing basic things, such as watching the sunrise, picking strawberries, and breaking into houses and businesses to enjoy the last days of their lives together, and there is a simplistic wonder in watching this on screen. At the same time, with each character they encounter on our journey, Ortenberg showcases the many different possible reactions humanity would have to the impending extinction event, from those wanting to experience new things, those seizing power in the confusion and panic, and those wishing to end their lives before the extinction event occurs. It gives insightful discussion into the questions that Ortenberg presents to the audience with varied views on what is truly important in life and what individuals would actually want to do with the final days of their lives. But at the end of the day, it is the character arcs of Michael and Rose and the pivotal decision they each make in the film’s final act that allows Ortenberg to give his view on these questions, and it’s an answer that is bound to resonate with viewers and generate some well deserved tears. For a first time writer, Ortenberg has developed a truly unique romance and end of the world story that is not only ambitious in the thematic conversation is has with the audience, but one that will speak to viewers on a deeper emotional level that has this critic eagerly awaiting to see what story he sets his mind to next. 

The film rests comfortably on the performances of Ortenberg and Schreiner in the lead roles of Michael and June respectively, who radiate on screen throughout the entire film. From the second you meet Michael and June in the opening scene, Ortenberg and Schreiner have a playful energy that captures the new and youthful love between their characters, instantly bonding the audience to their characters. Their romantic connection is undeniable, making it feel like these characters are two souls destined to grow old together, capturing that forever feeling despite it being a recent romantic development in their longstanding friendship. But as they encounter individuals who are more wrapped up in the fear of the end of their lives or navigating their complex family relationships, both Ortenberg and Schriener bring a rawness to their performances that captures the vulnerability in their characters, and it truly brings to life the screenplay and creates the impactful emotional viewing experience for the audience. It’s a performance from both Ortenberg and Schreiner that showcases the range of their talents as actors, promising a bright future for them both in the movie business. 

While both only in one single scene each, both Lauren Cohan and Dermot Mulroney leave a lasting impression on the film. Bringing an optimistic uncertainty to the film, watching Cohan’s Julia prepare to meet the man that she has developed a relationship with online highlights the freedom granted to humanity knowing that there are no consequences to their actions with the end of the world impending. Cohan plays it with a giddiness that makes for a fun scene, notably in the moments she shares with Schreiner, but also with an understandable apprehension of meeting this man for the first time that captures the power of love even in the darkest of times. With Mulroney, it feels like there is a passing of the torch between generations with Mulroney, who starred in some of the most popular romantic comedies earlier on in his career, and Ortenberg and Schreiner as When I’m Ready’s young couple. Mulroney’s scene is deeply personal and emotional for his character, capturing the despair and loneliness that Keith faces, allowing Mulroney, Ortenberg and Schreiner to shine in one of the film’s most memorable scenes. 

Even with the story and lead performance making When I’m Ready the impactful film it is, they would not be as powerful without the direction of Johnson. Johnson captures that invincible feeling of young love that informs the tone of the entire film, which has a magical effect on viewers. It allows younger viewers to see themselves in the characters of June and Michael, but also for older viewers to reminisce on their youth and first real love. At the same time, he allows the heavier moments to breathe on screen, never downplaying the gravity of them and letting it permeate the screen and engulf the audience in the complexities of Ortenberg’s exploration of humanity. Aided with some beautiful shots capturing the sunrise and sunset, natural countryside through the open windows of Michael’s truck, and the flickering flames of the campfires that Michael and June have as they make their way across the country from Rachel Mira Kliman, Johnson’s craft in bringing to life Ortenberg’s story hits all the right emotional and thematic notes.

Counting down to the end of the world has never been such a beautiful and sentimental experience, but that is what writer Andrew Ortenberg and director Andrew Johnson achieve in When I’m Ready. Through a blossoming young romance, the effects of extinction and knowing that there is no future exists for humanity is explored in a meaningful and thought provoking manner, which only heightens the emotions of the romance genre knowing that our young lovers Michael and June are being robbed of their future together. Led by the strong performances of Andrew Ortenberg and June Schreiner, the exploration of love, death and what truly matters most in life creates an emotionally moving film in When I’m Ready largely thanks to Andrew Ortenberg’s story which presents its meaningful themes and questions in a unique and poignant manner.