It's always an iffy proposition when you set your sights on reviewing a film from someone you know, but such is the life of a film critic and I had nothing to worry about when I decided to tackle Ian Corbin and Sonny DeSanto's 22-minute Sucks to Suck. The film is getting its Midwestern premiere at Indy Shorts after it debuted at Atlanta ShortsFest. 

Indy Shorts, a film festival devoted to short films from the fine folks at Heartland Film. For those who don't know, Heartland Film finds its cinematic core in "truly moving pictures." It's been a few years back since Heartland opened its lens to horror shorts, an approach that still has its haters but also quite a few devotees. 

Sucks to Suck isn't quite what I'd call a horror short, though it's definitely on the edgier end of the Heartland universe. In the film, a newly promoted boss, known only as "The Suit," played sublimely by Tim Bensch, becomes targeted by his office's robotic vacuum after a workplace incident involving "The Worker," a gifted ordinary joe played by Wilson Mack who also undeservedly finds himself passed over for a big promotion. 

I've been familiar with DeSanto's graphics work for quite some time, so I'm not exactly surprised that Sucks to Suck is a beautiful film to behold. You're never quite sure which direction Corbin and DeSanto are going to take this darkly comical yet surprisingly emotional story. 

This is the first short film for Corbin and DeSanto, and it's an absolute winner that, despite its darker edges, fits right in at Indy Shorts. The film's ensemble is absolutely terrific, Tim Bensch's performance containing a multitude of layers leaving you guessing all along. Wilson Mack is also absolutely spot-on, and Christine Kruze, as The Secretary, is a scene-stealer. 

Indy folks will likely recognize a face, or a voice, or two, though I'm not about to spoil that surprise. 

Lensing by Matt Spear is effective throughout with Taylor Lee's production design setting a vibe somewhere between Office Space and The Hills Have Eyes. I chuckled as I thought to myself "The Cubicles Have Eyes."

Sucks to Suck should have no problem continuing on a successful festival journey. It's the kind of film that festival audiences love, and both Corbin and DeSanto have crafted a story that draws you in and keeps you in suspense with an ending that surprises and satisfies. 

You can still check out Sucks to Suck one more time in-person during Indy Shorts. There's also a streaming option for antisocial folks like myself who just absolutely have to check out this terrific debut from Ian Corbin and Sonny DeSanto.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic