‘American Body’ is a bold comedy short that isn’t afraid to throw punches at the entertainment industry’s obsession with authenticity and diversity. Directed with skill by Juan Zuloaga Eslait and featuring a witty script by Adam Fagan, the film rides the tightrope between biting satire and emotional depth.
The story centers on Mike (Brock Morse), a once-golden sitcom star now stuck in career purgatory. When a prestigious role in a new film arises – a part written for an amputee – Mike faces a moral dilemma. The studio insists on hiring a genuine amputee actor, but Mike, desperate for a comeback and guilt-ridden over his ailing former co-star Kyle (Marc Schottner), considers going to extreme lengths to secure the role.
From the moment the POV opening pulls you into Mike’s internal monologue, you’re hooked. The high-quality cinematography immerses you in Mike’s world – one that oscillates between the glamorous, artificial sheen of his sitcom days and the stark, unflattering reality of his present. The intercut flashbacks to Mike’s sitcom career are brilliantly juxtaposed with his current desperation, offering biting commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the exploitative underbelly of Hollywood.
Brock Morse delivers a two-dimensional performance as Mike, layering charisma with a tinge of darkness that keeps the audience invested in his ethically murky journey. Marc Schottner’s portrayal of Kyle, whose health crisis serves as the catalyst for Mike’s choices, adds emotional weight to the film. Their shared scenes are both funny and deeply unsettling, shining a light on the lengths to which people will go to balance self-preservation with doing what’s right.
This is a film about sacrifice – twisted, exaggerated, and hilarious sacrifice. Yet beneath the humor is a disturbing truth about an industry that often prioritizes virtue signaling over genuine virtue. ‘American Body’ finds a way to make you laugh, cringe, and reflect, all within its 20-minute runtime. With sharp writing, strong performances, and an unapologetic edge, this short film is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. A must-watch for fans of dark comedy with bite.
