Written and directed by David Baeumler, ’30 Second Thoughts: Volume One’ is an experimental anthology of four micro shorts, each its own miniature world, yet together they create a surreal, intense exploration of modern anxieties and dark tones. Narrated by the ever-engaging Kevin Silva, who also pops up in a role in one of the segments, these bite-sized stories veer from wartime chaos to satirical takes on self-help and societal pressures.
The anthology opens with ‘Attack the System’, a bracing introduction that feels like a fever-dream war commercial. Explosions, atomic bombs, and artillery blast across the screen, fused with fast, jarring cuts and twisted graphics that feel both vintage and surreal. It’s a striking piece, challenging viewers with the idea that “your attackers are your only defense” – a notion as unsettling as it is intriguing.
Next is ‘Zabrinor’, a clever take on the world of pharmaceuticals. Silva’s soothing narration sells “peace of mind” as if it’s as simple as popping a daily tablet. We see him in his sound booth, lending the segment a tongue-in-cheek, behind-the-scenes flair, while Alicia Walker plays the consumer within the commercial itself. The result is oddly calming yet comically dystopian, with a subtle jab at our quick-fix culture.
The third micro short, ‘We Shall Overcoat’, is a visual riot. Styled with a quirky, cartoonish vibe, it plunges into the chaos of revolution and rebellion – an “anarchy in motion” where our narrator debates the color of revolution. Silva’s commentary adds both wit and an almost playful absurdity to the visuals. This short is as offbeat as it is thought-provoking, inviting viewers to ponder the artistry behind the chaos.
Finally, ‘Evil Man’ closes the anthology on a chilling note. Baeumler himself plays a man on the brink of committing a horrific act, depicted with dark shadows and rapid edits that plunge us into his twisted psyche. It’s brief but impactful, a character study in evil that sticks with you.
Bold, strange, and darkly fascinating, ’30 Second Thoughts: Volume One’ is avant-garde filmmaking at its finest – a treat for fans of Baeumler’s daring, cerebral style.
