Slamdance 2023 Film Festival – Public restrooms aren’t exactly places of serenity. Now, imagine if a kid suddenly climbed under your stall and wouldn’t leave. That’s the premise of director Eric Rich‘s short Stalled.

The film stars Langston Fishburne, yes son of Laurence Fishburne, as an unnamed man who can’t get rid of the kid, played by Asher Morrissette. The boy doesn’t utter a word about why he’s there and barely blinks, even when a fly lands on his face. As each minute ticks by, the man unravels and spirals into near insanity as he imagines all of the scenarios that can transpire when others realize there’s a kid in there with him. At one point, he envisions murdering the boy and flushing his remains down the toilet. Each pondered scenario grows more extreme than the last.

For a short set in a bathroom stall with only two main characters, it’s quite entertaining, edging different genres, including comedy and horror. At times, it warrants laughs, while other times dread. You can see the beads of sweat on Fishburne’s head the longer the kid stands in front of him, nearly nose to nose. Fishburne certainly has acting chops, and I hope we continue to see him in other roles. Though the kid doesn’t make a peep, Morrissette is effective at evoking discomfort. There’s something simply unnerving about the fact he doesn’t talk and won’t leave.

While some shorts feel like a tease for a potential feature, Stalled works perfectly as is. It’s a bonkers premise that runs through a gamut of scenarios that cause a man to snap. It’s engaging, creative, and showcases Fishburne’s talents. Let’s hope we see him in a leading role soon.

7.5 Out of 10