When was the last time a film made you laugh and cringe simultaneously? Jacob Motz's new short film Pink Eye is a wild ride that manages to do both with impeccable style. Premiering online thanks to Short of the Week, this dark comedy is a must-watch for anyone who loves a blend of absurdity, satire, and raw human emotion.
The film centers on Shell, played by Jesse Burgum, an alpha female whose life spirals out of control as she battles a particularly gruesome case of pink eye. From the outset, it's clear that this isn't your average comedy. Inspired by Nikolai Gogol's absurd satire “The Nose,” Motz crafts a narrative where the mundane becomes the catalyst for chaos. Like Gogol's story, where an aristocrat wakes up to find his nose missing, Pink Eye uses an extreme, unexpected incident to explore human nature and the lengths people will go to maintain their facade of control.
Jacob Motz, a Los Angeles-based indie filmmaker, brings his unique vision to life with the help of a talented cast and crew. The film features strong performances from Zach Gilford, June Christopher, Jadah Marie, and Constance Parng, with Burgum leading the charge. Terra Gutmann Gonzalez's cinematography captures the dark, comedic essence of the film, while Sean O'Malley's score heightens the absurdity of Shell's predicament. The makeup by Ally McGillicuddy and VFX by Arturo Morales play a pivotal role in bringing the grotesque and hilarious visuals to life.
Motz's ability to turn a simple, gross-out premise into a smart and biting comedy is a testament to his skill as a filmmaker. “It's dark for sure, and a bit of a tragedy,” Motz says, but ultimately, Pink Eye is a film that invites us to laugh at ourselves and the absurd lengths we go to in order to maintain control.
At a runtime that fits perfectly into a coffee break, Pink Eye is not just a film—it's an experience. So, whether you're a fan of indie films, dark comedies, or just need a good laugh, make sure to add Pink Eye to your watchlist.
