SXSW Review: ‘It’s Not Custard’ Short Film

It’s Not Custard review Short Film

Whether you want to admit it or not, most of you reading this have secretly enjoyed a pimple popping video or two. It is no doubt disgusting, but we just cannot look away until it’s over. Writer and director Kate McCoid apparently knows this, and uses it in her new short film It’s Not Custard.

The film follows a teenage girl named Louise (Charlotte Luxford) who suffers from severe acne and bullying, even from her family. All she wants is to no longer have this condition and suddenly overnight, her wish is granted. The pimples are somehow transferred to her wall, which is oozing and ready to be popped. This transformation allows Louise to have the last laugh with those who torment her. Her story is narrated by an unseen man (Donal Cox) in a very comedic and whimsical way.

With a run-time of just over five minutes, It’s Not Custard packs quite a bit in and the end result is an original, witty, and satisfying film. The narration was a great decision by McCoid, as it did well in elevating the film, making it feel richer. The final scene is definitely not for the faint of heart, and even makes this writer (who has watched her fair share of pimple popping videos) squirm and want to look away. The special effects were repulsively impressive.

It’s Not Custard is Kate McCoid’s directorial debut, and the film screened at the 2019 South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) during the Midnight Shorts Program.


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