Kae Nussbaumer

Outstanding Screenplays TV Pilot Competition

This film could be a summer rom-com hit for a major studio or a large indie like A24.

“Aspergerers” is a quirky romantic comedy centered on Sally, a sharp-tongued, 40-something aspiring dog walker, and Barry, a socially awkward astrophysicist both with possible Asperger’s. After a chaotic, comedic encounter at the beach, the two form a bond built on bizarre banter, awkward honesty, and reluctant attraction. Sally lives with her overbearing mother and struggles with direction, while Barry balances his eccentricities, a flirty gay friend, and his grandfather’s dementia. Through a string of wild mishaps (dog chases, fake accidents, flamboyant golf outings, and confrontations with scammers), their unconventional romance grows. Despite their differences, Sally and Barry find common ground in their emotional baggage, dry wit, and

genuine need for connection."​

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“Aspergerers” is a hilariously atypical romcom that explores the complexities of love, family, and self-discovery from the unique perspective of two neurodivergent, socially challenged (and challenging) eccentrics. With a broadly appealing vibe, similar to "Bridesmaids" and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", this comedy will resonate with a massive, mainstream audience while appealing especially to LGBTQ+ audiences and those who appreciate stories about non-traditional families. The script mixes raunchy humor, heartfelt moments, and absurdist gags in equal measure, constantly surprising and escalating. Whether it’s Sally stealing money from the table or outrageous celebrity cameos, the scenes rarely go where you expect. The offbeat humor sets a dynamic tone right from the first page. Sally’s snarky, rapid-fire quips and Barry’s literal, neurodivergent logic create delightful comedic friction. The negging asper-banter of their first accidental “date” feels at times like an Ionesco play. The humor also feels personal, grounded in character, even at its most absurd (e.g., Sally threatening a scammer with a baseball bat or Barry reciting Wikipedia entries mid-convo). Even with Asperger’s in the title, the script avoids sentimentalizing or pathologizing neurodiversity, instead letting it be part of the humor and heart. Their conditions take a back seat to deeper, universal truths and emotional honesty with moments of real vulnerability: Barry caring for his grandfather, Sally’s insecurity masked by bravado, and both characters grappling with loneliness. That balance between comedy and emotional grounding makes the absurdity feel earned. This film could be a summer rom-com hit for a major studio or a large indie like A24.