Having had its world premiere at the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Dennis Flippin and Doug Wyckoff’s short comedy is a bizarre tale of being careful what you wish for. “Flatters” excels a lot at weird, absurdist comedy that lampoons the whole system of conspiracy theorists, while also putting its main character in to a hole that he might not be able to escape any time soon.
In “Flatters,” Lenny’s mundane life takes a quirky turn when he falls for the eccentric and captivating Georgia. As their romance blossoms, Lenny is thrown into a world of bizarre beliefs that challenge his understanding of reality.
Directed by Dennis Flippin and Written by Doug Wyckoff, “Flatters” really does put a wrench in the whole idea of romance coming true and it leaves on a fairly uncertain note. Stars Doug and Teresa Wyckoff are very good in their respective roles, offering performances that are fun and funny. Once Doug slowly begins to realize that Georgia, the woman he’s married, it becomes so much less of a romance and a lot more of a nightmare that might only get worse and worse.
Both stars work very well off of each other, especially Teresa Wyckoff as wife Georgia who is equal amounts weird and charming. The team of Flippin and Wyckoff are never afraid to get as just downright insane as possible, even ending on a note that is open to interpretation. Is what happens proof that there is some basis of fact to Georgia’s whole conspiracy lifestyle? Or is it a sign that he’s beginning to form some kind of Stockholm Syndrome and is buying into her lifestyle? Nevertheless, “Flatters” is a downright nutty comedy, and one worth pursuing.