Craning tells the story of a trying first date between two people as they attempt to break through the niceties of social norms to discover something deeper and more real. Though Noah tries to impress Erika, she is wary and holds back. Noah reveals that for work he helps endangered Sandhill Cranes to mate by dressing up as a crane and doing a complex mating dance, something that he swears is incredibly embarrassing. Erika is intrigued, and opens up to Noah by telling him about her experience as an actress. When the two return to Noah’s apartment for some tea, the vibe quickly changes. From the front door, they walk up the stairs into Noah’s bedroom. Startled by the change from the romantic restaurant to the dirty bedroom, Erika says that she should get going. Dismayed, Noah tries to get through to Erika to find out about the sudden shift in her mood. When Erika won’t reveal what’s going on, Noah tries desperately to get through to her. He pours his heart out, admitting to his fear that no one will ever really see or understand him. Erika pauses, then she reveals to Noah an intimate detail about her past. Noah, not expecting this, has no idea how to respond. He fumbles and repeats how sorry he is, but he’s clearly uncomfortable and out of his depth. As they stand there, in complete and utter awkward silence, Erika tells Noah to perform the Sandhill Crane mating dance.