Directed by Julien Lasseur and written by Brian Groh, Barry’s losing bets catch up to him when an ice cold debt collector finds him in a mountain town on his birthday. Starring: Shawn Parsons, Cjon Saulsberry and Kristin Hansen.

Trying to put together a story that has strong comedic timing and a satisfying journey within five minutes is no easy challenge, which is why when it’s done well, it’s so enjoyable to watch. Somebody Cares is a fantastic example of doing it right. The timing in particular is superb, the comedy is delivered to a perfect beat. It moves with a big confidence, creating that balance of crime and comedy, it’s neither too light nor too heavy, it adds just the right amount of threat and danger to its dark sense of humour.

Part of that is how Julien Lasseur gives Somebody Cares a strong presence, it draws you in effortlessly. Especially because it kicks things off with a great song choice and you’re immediately hit with the crisp quality of the aesthetic. Everything works together to build a captivating tone, which has a lot to do with that confidence, it’s never trying too hard to be funny or gritty, Lasseur finds a highly comfortable middle ground.

Of course, another key element to that success is the cast, Shawn Parsons and Cjon Saulsberry create a banter that wouldn’t be out of place in a film like The Nice Guys. They have that terrific combination of being at odds, with hugely violent possibilities, yet they’re very reasonable.

The way they create this casual feel to the flow of Somebody Cares is really fun to watch, they bring to life the dark sense of humour so well. Kristin Hansen then adds in a brilliantly blasé note which tops the trio off nicely. Also, they get bonus points for remembering to alter Barry’s (Shawn Parsons) voice after he’s been strangled. It’s frustrating how often that is forgotten in the history of film and television.

Somebody Cares is funny, smart and has pitch perfect comedic timing. It’s short and sweet, Brian Groh does an excellent job of fitting this story into five minutes and the writing is hugely entertaining. The direction from Julien Lasseur is confident with a blend of slick and casual which is superbly balanced, backed by some sharp cinematography from Kyle Smolic and strong editing from Chancler Haynes. All of which is brought to life by Shawn Parsons and Cjon Saulsberry in an odd couple, frenemies style that leaves you wishing you could have spent longer with these characters.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯½ | 9/10

Screening as part of Sundance Film Festival 2025 from January 24