#87: "the situation gets even weirder"
Welcome to issue #87 of THIS NEWSLETTER CANNOT SAVE YOU. And for those who celebrate, happy Halloween!
I mean, whatever, we’re all adults here. Onward!
Scottovision
“Andrew Ganvickton” (2026) - In this Adult Swim Small animated short film, the large cyst on the titular character’s back gives birth to his miniature brother, who proceeds to revolutionize his life with words of wisdom and encouragement. But the revolution is short-lived, as Andrew’s miniature brother is kind of a self-centered jerk. Brought to you by Joe Pelling and Charlie Pelling, two of the minds behind the beloved and demented web and TV series Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared.
“Nuke” (2025) - Molly is a clown comedian who uses the threat of an incoming nuclear missile to force her way onto an exclusive comedy showcase lineup, in this crisp little existential parable directed by Kelsea Bauman-Murphy, written by Alli Brown. The acting is spot-on, the dialogue is sharp, and while Molly is the beating heart of cringe, her commitment to her dream is a thing to behold.
“Red Button” (2026) - As a notable proponent of art that prominently features a red button someone must hit, allow me to heartily endorse this surrealist wonder of a music video for a track by Dong Zhou. Hitting of the red button remains theoretical throughout the video’s whirlwind tour of bizarre landscapes and preposterous settings, but the potential for someone or something to hit the red button still fuels the momentum of the experience. From the album Congee Rats’ Clinic.
“Sayōnara” (2025) - Irish hip-hop group Kneecap teamed up with Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll on this excellent slice of aggressive electronica, and the music video is a perfect accompaniment: actress Jamie-Lee O’Donnell is a worker drone driven crazy by the mundanity of her daily life, when all she really wants is to rave her ass off all night long. After an intense buildup in which she seems to slowly unravel right in front of her coworkers’ eyes, director Finn Keenan delivers an impressive cap to the premise.
“Steppin’ On Water” (2024) - This documentary short film from director Rodney Lucas takes us inside a dance scene in the Chicago South Side that rose up in the ‘70s as an alternative or counterpoint to disco. Producer NOWNESS describes Steppin’ as “evolving with soul music as a collision of ballroom and swing, with parallels to the jitterbug and the hustle,” and the film takes us backstage at a Steppin’ competition in modern day Chicago, introducing us to key players in the original scene along the way. The dancing is smooth, the outfits are incredible (“hood couture,” as one woman says), and the joy is infectious.
“The Company Card” (2026) - Terry accuses his subordinate Sandra of abusing the company card for personal purchases, but Sandra isn’t in the mood for Terry’s bullshit. Hijinks ensue! Written & directed by Myles Hodder.
“The Lizard Hunter” (2026) - Director/photographer/fashion model Nadia Lee Cohen directed this sharp short film for Vice, taking us on a ride into the world of black market exotic animal smuggling. Cohen’s directing style here features frenetic staging and lightning fast pacing, but you pick up the full gist of the darkly entertaining piece just in time for the abrupt and satisfying conclusion.
“The Snip” (2023) - An ill-informed and not particularly bright patient has last minute doubts about his pending vasectomy in this daffy comedy written & directed by Ben S. Hyland.
“W33D RABIES” (2026) - Episode 7 of the new animated web series $uperego (“Id, Ego, and Superego if they were girls”) examines the effects and ethics of smoking weed from a baggie found in a small puddle. This was the first episode of the series I came across, and it was surprisingly funny.
“Wildmen Of The Greater Toronto Area” (2024) - Official description: “In response to rising costs of living the citizens of Toronto begin renouncing their personhood en masse to legally become animals, forming a society of ‘Wildmen’ in the city’s vast ravine network.” Writer/director Solmund MacPherson creates an eerie alternate reality where capitalism drives people to absurd extremes, and then the situation gets even weirder from there.
Exit Music
Sending you out this issue with a pleasing DJ mix from Ninja Tune act Fcukers on the Elevator Music channel (“Connecting Artists, Audiences & Elevators Everywhere”), a mix that spans electronic, UK garage, indie dance, and house music with ease and agility. It’s catchy, high energy stuff to launch you into the weekend.
Here's the YouTube playlist with (most of) this issue's recos. Please enjoy responsibly.
Until next time, I remain your friendly correspondent, thinking of you,
Scotto
Scotto Moore is the author of WILD MASSIVE, BATTLE OF THE LINGUIST MAGES, and YOUR FAVORITE BAND CANNOT SAVE YOU.
See also:
An Evening at the Data Center Lounge
and
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