‘Belleterre, directed by Oliver Garrett and Prentiss Corbin, is a comedy with a mythical twist – a sharp, witty ride into desperation and absurdity.
Markus (Quincy Hampton) is down-right-broke. A brilliantly staged ATM gag spells it out with deadpan precision. His best friend Jay (Archie Brace) is no better off – both victims of their own reckless gambling. Busking seems like a viable escape route, but the universe has other plans.
We then meet Ricky (Derek Weinstock), Markus – armed with a sword, a fairytale book, and the kind of unhinged energy that makes him both hilarious and unnerving. Ricky is the wildcard in an already absurd landscape, and his presence signals the film’s shift from light-hearted banter to something much darker.
The script is sharp, filled with dry humor and witty exchanges that feel effortless. The comedy is silly but never cheap – jokes are earned, and the characters are meticulously drawn. The cast delivers across the board, balancing humor with a growing sense of unease. Brody Stratz and Mikey Turner add to the chaos, nudging the film further into shadowy, unexpected territory.
‘Belleterre’ is impressively polished in technicality. Oliver Garrett’s cinematography is crisp and cinematic. Joey Karz’s score adds texture, subtly shifting the mood as the film pivots from comedic to sinister.
The climax is teasing and invites speculation. This is a well-crafted short that proves absurd comedy and the macabre can run hand-in-hand. Highly recommended.
