Please Hold

Waiting for any kind of test result can be excruciating, especially when death is the possible outcome of a “positive” one.

In Jerell Rosales’ new short, Please Hold, audiences will witness the story of a gay Asian American named Danny (Mike Ball) who befriends a condom company’s customer-service representative named Logan (Ben Warner) while in the midst of waiting for his HIV test results.

The film starts out with Danny having sex with a stranger in the back of his car on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Once the dirty deed is done, he finds out that the condom broke. After not feeling well for the next couple of days, Danny fears he may have contracted HIV. To be sure, he goes to the hospital to have some tests done.

To take out his frustration and anger, Danny calls the condom-manufacturing company to make a complaint. A smooth-talking man named Logan assists Danny and puts him on hold to direct his call to a supervisor. While on hold, Danny goofs around and pretends to have a conversation with Logan and goes into his life story. Unknowingly to Danny, Logan has been listening the entire time.

Please Hold serves its purpose as entertainment.

This is a film that will make audiences want more. In addition, there’s a comforting message: We can hear you. HIV/AIDS is still a terrifying concept in today’s world. Although not as bad as it was in the 80s — as there have been numerous medical advancements — HIV/AIDS is still scary. It is safe to say that Jerell was trying to convey the message that there will always be someone out there you can talk to. No matter what you may be going through, you’re not alone.

Logan may just be a disembodied voice on the phone, but Danny feels consoled.

Ball, best known for his work in Dear Dad and Chase, gives his character a personality that’s not only likeable, but easy-going and relatable. Ball does an absolutely amazing job. When we first meet Danny, we can tell he is troubled. There are situations in his life that have ripped him apart. He’s not angry or naïve; he’s just a young man who’s troubled. And although he’s now facing what he thinks is a possible death sentence, Danny is going to confront the situation with simplicity and directness.

Although Please Hold is only a 15-minute short, it packs a punch.

Does Danny ever meet Logan face to face? Are the results of Danny’s test positive or negative? What comes next for Danny? These are all answers you will need to find out for yourself.