In J.W. Cox‘s ‘Stoned’, a short film that’s as cheeky as it is charming, the lines between paranoia and punchline blur with delightful recklessness. Cox, known for his adept hand at quirky narratives, spins a tale where workplace rivalry meets a cannabis-induced rabbit hole, and the result is a comedy that lands its punchlines with a sly, stoned grin.

At its core, ‘Stoned’ follows Jenny (Ashlee Lawhorn), whose professional envy of Mark (Alex Pham) turns into a wild goose chase of misplaced suspicions. What begins as a classic tale of work-place animosity takes an unexpected turn when Jenny, accompanied by the equally high-strung Irma (Kennedy Hancock), dives headfirst into a conspiracy involving misplaced nudes and murky dealings. The absurdity ramps up as paranoia blends with a hint of underground intrigue, all while Lawhorn and Hancock bounce off each other with the kind of comedic timing that’s both infectious and endearing.

Cox’s direction, bolstered by Matthew Kennedy’s skillful cinematography, frames every scene with a mischievous flair, reminiscent of the misfit comedies of yesteryear. The result is an intoxicating blend of wit and whimsy, where the mundane clashes gloriously with the surreal. Lawhorn and Hancock, in particular, elevate the material with their spirited performances, infusing Jenny and Irma with a buddy dynamic that crackles with energy.

‘Stoned’ isn’t just your average stoner comedy; it’s a snapshot of absurdity, a winking nod to the capricious nature of paranoia, and a credit to Cox’s ability to inject depth into the shallow end of comedy. With its off-kilter charm and unabashedly quirky narrative, this short film proves that sometimes, the best laughs come from a hint of suspicion and a touch of absurdity.