In 2020 everything has gone wonky. A pandemic has crippled the economy, separated families from one another and caused people close to each other to question even the simplest bodily functions. The Sneeze is the story of how these functions have become questioned, feared and utterly blown out of proportion.
There’s a lot to like about Danny Benevento’s The Sneeze, including the music, acting and its relevance in the modern world, but the thing that stands out the most is the chemistry between Patrick Newell and Elijah Carter (the sneezer). There is a clear connection between the two actors that makes the subtle, but edgy humor land so sturdily. Viewers are exposed to a duo that are able to feed off of one another and deliver seamless comedy in a world where humor is slowly falling by the wayside. Carter and Newell have this natural bond that allows the story and the film to flow, making everything appear effortless in the process.
The humor in The Sneeze is incredibly important to the message that Benvento and Newell are attempting to convey. As the final seconds of the film play out, after the sneeze in question occurs, the dark, tantalizing humor slowly but surely fills the space on screen and viewers immediately understand the gravity of what Newell is trying to say. The Sneeze ironically, with the borderline inappropriate humor, manages to remain classy. Not to give too much away, but the presence of a toy gun (one that could never be mistaken for the real thing) adds another level of humor but, more importantly, allows individuals who may find gun humor ill-suited or offensive to appreciate what is being done.
Relevance is the most important aspect of any film. If viewers can’t find a connection to a character, a joke, a storyline, or something else entirely, a film will ultimately fail. The Sneeze is able to resonate with literally anyone willing to watch. The humor is subtle and plays on the seemingly never-ending atrocity that is COVID-19, but even better, it pokes innocent fun at those who have let the virus control their lives. Furthermore, the storyline, the attire and the music play a role in keeping things fresh and appreciable.
Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” is a song that has taken 2020 by storm, but that I cannot, for the life of me, figure out it’s significance. The song is underwhelming, idiotic and nearly without meaning, but has managed to endure the craze of cancel culture at its most impending time. This song deserves no recognition and no praise, as it ultimately sucks at entertainment. Wildly, however, the decision to include “The Box” in The Sneeze works beautifully. As the veritable beat drops and viewers are taken into the closing credits they can’t help but feel a bit excited by the inclusion of this ridiculous song. It’s relevance in today’s musical canon coupled with the explosion of sound at the film’s denouement makes it the perfect choice for The Sneeze.
Nearly everything about The Sneeze is executed perfectly. Benevento, Newell and Carter find a relevant topic, contort it into something funny and bring it to life with great vigor. The Sneeze is short, sweet and to the point; its ability to omit any unnecessary details keeps viewers interested and entertained. Noblemen Studios has done it again and lives up to the expectations set by Mask On and The Sweetest Heist.
Directed by Danny Benevento. Written by Patrick Newell. Starring Patrick Newell & Elijah Carter.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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