Pilar Malo‘s dark comedy short film ‘David’ is British humor at it’s best, brimming with sharp wit and clever twists. The film opens with an unusually grim tableau: two men named David, David 1 (Lanre Danmola) and David 2 (Ramin Farahani), stand on a railway bridge, each contemplating their grim end. Their brooding despair is the film’s somber overture, but the true delight begins when the narrative takes a sharp turn into the realm of comedic brilliance.

Both Davids are grappling with tumultuous relationships. David 1 laments the “death” of his wife, while David 2 is grappling with his role as a home-wrecker who can’t quite satisfy his fling – who, as it turns out, is the same woman for both men. This revelation flips their despair into a brilliantly absurd situation, leading to a clash of two men united only in their mutual misery and confusion over the same woman.

The humor is quintessentially British: dry, witty, and layered with delightful irony. The seamless comedic delivery from Danmola and Farahani turns a potentially bleak scenario into a riot of laughs, showcasing a chemistry that’s both natural and expertly crafted.

Cinematographer Oliver Cross deserves high praise for his work here, crafting a visual palette that’s as sharp and polished as the script itself. The framing and composition are nicely executed, enhancing the film’s ability to oscillate between dark and light moments with skill.

‘David’ is a witty, engaging short that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary with its sharp narrative and flawless performances. It’s a brilliant showcase of how humor can emerge from the most unexpected places.