‘Trip’, written and directed by Mark Mohn, introduces us to Sarah Berkman as a young woman at the centre of a strange evening that spirals out of control. Returning home from work, she is greeted by her brother, played by Ryan Shannon, whose eccentric energy fills the room. With him is a dealer, portrayed by Johzuel Lucis, and before long the conversation turns to drugs. Sarah resists, but while she is away from the room, her brother slips some into her drink, intending it as a harmless prank.
What follows is a drug induced blur of paranoia and chaos. Mohn’s storytelling leans more toward unsettling sci fi horror than lighthearted comedy. While the premise hints at a comical trip gone wrong, the tone feels darker and more sinister, which creates a disconnect between expectation and delivery. The pacing is quick, almost too quick for its own good, leaving little time to fully explore Sarah’s perspective or the surreal effects of the drug.
The film’s production quality is unmistakably low budget, yet it maintains a certain respectability. There is an unpolished charm in its homemade feel, and the visuals, though basic, are serviceable in delivering the strange atmosphere. The sound quality wavers, with occasional clarity issues, but overall it remains understandable and does not pull the viewer out of the moment.
Performances are solid given the material, though the narrative’s odd balance between absurdity and menace can make it uncomfortable to watch. ‘Trip’ is certainly out there, and while it may not fully succeed in its intended humour, it does leave an impression as a peculiar, slightly unnerving short that blurs the line between genres.
