Ryan Lilienfield’s ‘Dead Presidents’ is a brilliantly chaotic cocktail of comedy, tension, and utter absurdity. This American stoner comedy-thriller short film throws us into the misadventures of two brothers, Mark (Galen Howard) and Chris (Blake Sheldon), who, after far too many hits, decide to rob a bank. What ensues is a hilarious, ridiculous farce that feels like a love letter to both stoner flicks and heist films, while shamelessly poking fun at them.
From the opening, it’s clear what we’re in for: the brothers, naive yet confident, banter back and forth with razor-sharp dialogue that oscillates between witty, stupid, and utterly hilarious. Their chemistry is electric, with Howard and Sheldon bouncing off each other effortlessly, embodying the clueless stoners you can’t help but root for – even as they spiral deeper into their idiotic plan.
Donning bizarre masks, the brothers’ botched heist quickly escalates into a hostage situation, complete with police sirens, rising tension, and the undeniable realization that they’re in way over their heads. But it’s this very cluelessness that makes the film tick. They have no idea what they’re doing, and that’s the whole point.
The technical execution is just as sharp as its comedic and thrilling timing. The cinematography is slick, the editing flawless, and the sound design hits all the right beats, enhancing both the tension and the humor. The thriller elements – bolstered by some superb effects – add just enough stakes to keep us on edge, even as we laugh.
‘Dead Presidents’ thrives as a high-quality, absurd farce, where the comedy never lets up, and the tension between the brothers – both hilarious and shocking – drives it all home. This is a stoner film done right. Highly recommended.
