A young man joins a local improv group only to find himself caught in the most awkward mystery of his life.
In A Tight Squeeze, writer and director Colton Caulfield blends absurdity and sharp character work into a quick-witted comedy short that genuinely earns its laughs.
Short comedy films are easy to find but surprisingly difficult to pull off. For every well-crafted gag or clever bit of dialogue, there are dozens of shorts that miss the mark with tired slapstick or weak punchlines. That is why A Tight Squeeze feels like a breath of fresh air — it is tight, well-paced, and funny for all the right reasons.
The film introduces us to Remi, played with wide-eyed sincerity by Rinzin Thonden, who is preparing to join a local amateur improv group. It is clear from the start that Remi is eager but perhaps slightly unsure of what he is stepping into. After receiving his callback letter, he grabs his metal water bottle and heads out, full of anticipation.
When Remi arrives at the theatre, he finds the group gathered in a circle performing what can only be described as a strange, a cappella rendition of Oh Yeah by Yello — yes, that familiar bass-heavy tune made famous in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This opening moment perfectly sets the tone, establishing the group as both enthusiastic and deeply odd.
Most of the troupe are welcoming, if a little eccentric, but not everyone is thrilled to see a new face. Bobby, played with inspired intensity by Keegan Garant, is the self-proclaimed leader of the group, and he wastes no time asserting dominance. Interrupting, correcting, and seizing control of the room, Bobby makes it clear he views Remi not as a colleague but as competition.
The real fun begins when Remi places his metal water bottle on the chair beside him. Bobby later sits on that same chair, and when he stands up — the bottle is gone. What follows is a bizarre and hilarious standoff, with Remi growing increasingly suspicious that the bottle may have ended up somewhere very uncomfortable. Bobby, despite being visibly in distress, insists he knows nothing about the bottle’s whereabouts.
What could have been played purely for cheap laughs is instead handled with a surprising amount of wit. Caulfield manages to keep the absurd premise grounded in character. Bobby’s pride and refusal to admit to any physical mishap becomes the film’s main comedic engine, and Garant’s performance deserves real credit for walking the line between unlikable and hysterical. His bravado masks a clear vulnerability, and that contrast makes the situation all the funnier.
Remi, for his part, tries to remain polite and level-headed even as he is pulled into Bobby’s escalating efforts to control the situation. Their back-and-forth, which peaks during a pirate-themed improv scene, is a brilliant piece of physical and verbal comedy, with both actors playing off each other with excellent timing.
The supporting cast, though mostly operating in the background, add flavour to the film’s theatrical setting. Their commitment to the chaotic improv scenes and their obliviousness to the tension between Bobby and Remi help elevate the humour even further.
Visually, A Tight Squeeze is crisp and well-shot. The cinematography serves the story without ever getting in the way. There is a particular sequence, when the bottle first disappears, that is scored with a strangely sinister piece of music. It underscores the moment with unexpected menace and adds a quirky sense of drama to what is essentially a ridiculous mystery.
Caulfield shows a clear understanding of how to use timing and framing to enhance comedy. He never lingers too long on a gag, and he trusts the actors to carry the humour rather than relying on visual tricks. It is that restraint, coupled with some wonderfully absurd writing, that helps A Tight Squeeze succeed where so many other comedy shorts stumble.
Though the film runs only a few minutes, it manages to tell a complete and satisfying story. It builds tension, escalates the stakes, and ends on a strong note without overstaying its welcome. The pacing is sharp, and the performances are fully committed, especially from Garant, who delivers a memorable turn as a man literally and figuratively in a very tight spot.
In short, A Tight Squeeze is an unexpected treat. Funny, weird, and surprisingly polished, it stands out as one of the rare comedy shorts that lands its punches without feeling forced or overplayed. With strong performances, confident direction, and an unforgettable central premise, it is a short film that is easy to recommend — and even easier to enjoy.