The 11 min short, written and directed by Celine Held and Logan George, is more than just a gross-out comedy. Fueled by coke, a desperate couple attempts to capitalize on an unlikely opportunity. Under the darkly comedic veil of repulsion lies a consummately entertaining, yet harrowing look into the relationship of two people who hit rock-bottom. Mouse dares to challenge the audience and succeeds in convincing them in the authenticity of the main characters, even if the circumstances we find them in are quite absurd. Drug addicts Vanessa and Danny live for the next hit. But desperation turns to hope when they discover a dead mouse in a tin of baked beans, and the possibility of a huge payout infects their drug-addled minds. With its claustrophobic aesthetic, escalating tension and some pretty vile imagery, Mouse makes for an uncomfortable watch, but it’s worth sticking around, even if it spoils your appetite.
