The transition into adulthood can be bittersweet as people try to figure out where they fit into society and what they want to do with their lives, especially after a traumatic experience. Jane, the protagonist of the new drama, ‘Disfluency,’ is realizing that the journey can become even more challenging when loved ones want to help, but don’t know how to offer the right advice.

Buffalo8 is distributing ‘Disfluency’ in theaters today, January 17, 2025. In honor of the project’s release, Film Factual is premiering a first look clip from the feature, which is titled ‘Little Buddy.’

Anna Baumgarten served as the writer, the director and a producer on the coming-of-age movie. ‘Disfluency’ stars Libe Barer (‘Sneaky Pete’), Ariela Barer (‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline’), Chelsea Alden (’13 Reasons Why’) and Dylan Arnold (‘Oppenheimer’).

In ‘Disfluency,’ everyone is surprised to learn that “Jane the Brain” (Libe Barer) retreated to her Michigan hometown by the lake after she failed her final college class. Her parents, sister, town friends and an old high school crush soften the burden of failure, and it’s long before this misstep feels more like an opportunity at one last care-free summer vacation.

Jane rekindles a friendship with her neighbor Amber (Alden), a single mother with a difficult toddler. So Jane utilizes her skills as a linguistics student – including American Sign Language – to help Amber connect with her son.

Despite her best efforts, however, Jane can’t keep the real reason that caused her academic disruption bottled up. She struggles with imposter syndrome, and her PTSD boils over. With the support of those around her, Jane unravels herself and starts the never-ending process of healing.