A Brilliantly Clever and Hilarious Film About Creative Frustrations
DIRECTED BY ALEX ZAJICEK/2024
In the competitive world of content creation, Sorry, We’re Dead humorously explores the unique niche of lecture video production companies. This film presents a limbo for ex and present film students, where a mix of genuine talent and amateur skills are used to cover the eccentricities of misfit professors lecturing to uninterested audiences. At the center of this chaos is Lana Jing, played with Daria-like conviction by Sarah Lee, who is desperately trying to finish a long-overdue screenplay.
Lee’s portrayal of Lana is filled with aggressive exhaustion, extreme sarcasm, and fourth-wall-breaking moments that reflect her film school lessons. Her interactions with quirky characters like the bumbling but sweet Burd (Davied Morales) and her supportive boss Will (Kelechi Nwadibia) create a rich tapestry of comedic and poignant moments. The dynamic between these characters is both frustrating and endearing, adding depth to the narrative.
Writer-director Alex Zajicek’s feature-length debut is an ambitious meta-comedy that smartly uses its filmmaking aesthetic to comment on art and people’s relationship with it. Zajicek manages to pull off a difficult premise with fine passion, transforming cringeworthy dialogue and inside jokes into a charming and engaging narrative. Lana’s life takes a surreal turn when a hard drive mishap causes the movie she’s editing to intrude into her reality. Scenes turn black and white, text appears defining specific words, and the boundary between her life and the film blurs, raising intriguing questions about whether these bizarre events are teaching her something or if she’s merely living in a cinematic illusion.
The cast’s excellent comedic timing and authentic chemistry are vital to the film’s success. Lee’s deadpan humor perfectly captures Lana’s emotional state and confusion, while Morales and Sharpe provide a grounded balance to the fantastical elements. Chesi Ho, as Lana’s mom, makes a notable impact in her brief scenes, adding depth to the family dynamic.
Sorry, We’re Dead is a brilliantly clever and hilarious film that uses the tricks of filmmaking to reflect the creative frustration of someone whose life didn’t turn out as they dreamed. The performances are note-perfect, and the tone of the film truly works, making it a standout film playing at Hysteria Fest. Zajicek’s confident direction and vision showcase his promising talent as a filmmaker, making this indie gem a must-watch.