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A jarring instance of violence roughly a third of the way into “The Shitheads” threatens to derail the film’s darkly comedic tone, but a perfectly timed deadpan line pulls the audience back in-a precarious balance that defines Macon Blair’s latest work.
A Road Trip Gone Horribly, Hilariously wrong
“The Shitheads” blends scatological humor with moments of genuine tension, creating a viewing experience that’s both shocking and strangely resonant.
- The film centers on two hapless men tasked with transporting a wealthy, manipulative teenager.
- The dynamic between the two guardians, a cynical “bed loser” and a devout Christian, is a key source of conflict and eventual alliance.
- The teenager, Sheridan, is portrayed as a product of privilege with no moral compass, exploiting those around him.
- The film’s tonal shifts between comedy and despair are sometimes jarring but aim to reflect life’s unpredictability.
- Despite some weak subplots, standout performances, particularly from O’Shea jackson Jr., add emotional depth.
The film follows Mark (Jason Segel), a self-described “bed loser” actively sabotaging his own life. He’s paired with Davis, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr., a devout Christian whose faith is tested by his desperate need for money. They both desperately need this assignment to go smoothly, but it won’t.
Their charge, Sheridan (Mason Thames), initially presents as a typical rebellious teen, but quickly reveals a manipulative streak, feigning vulnerability to gain his guardians’ trust. Though, after the aforementioned violent outburst, he transforms into a truly menacing figure, delighting in exploiting and belittling those around him. What happens when a teenager with unlimited resources and no moral compass is given free rein?
As Mark and Davis realize the extent of Sheridan’s depravity,their initial animosity gives way to a desperate alliance. Thames portrays Sheridan with an irritating smirk that constantly tests the patience of his caretakers. He’s a product of privilege,behaving as if money can shield him from any outcome-a belief reinforced by his substantial online following.
Blair’s decision to open the film with a comedic reference to Lars von Trier’s bleak drama “Antichrist” is a clever touch, signaling the film’s offbeat sensibility. however, “The Shitheads” ultimately leans more towards broad comedy with occasional bursts of viciousness, a departure from Blair’s previous work, such as the 2017 Sundance winner “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore,” which favored seriousness with hints of dark humor.
The tonal shifts in “The Shitheads” can be jarring, oscillating between laugh-out-loud moments and scenes of intense despair. While this contrast could be interpreted as a reflection of life’s unpredictable nature, the overall effect is somewhat puzzling. Despite this, the film’s commercial prospects appear strong, given its edgy content and recognizable cast.
A particularly weak subplot involves a group of cartoonish criminals who attempt to “rescue” Sheridan after he sends out a false kidnapping claim on social media. Peter Dinklage’s cameo as the ringleader feels underwhelming, and Nicholas Braun’s portrayal of an aspiring rapper obsessed with Sheridan’s fame comes across as a tired cliché.
Conversely, a standout sequence features Jackson Jr. reimagining a typical bad-drug-trip scene as a spiritual awakening, with Davis believing he’s had a conversation with God. This performance grounds the film’s more outlandish moments,adding a layer of emotional depth.
Throughout the escalating chaos,Blair deliberately avoids delving into the backstories of the working-class characters-including Mark,Davis,and a singer (Kiernan Shipka) working as an exotic dancer who becomes another of Sheridan’s victims. There’s also a hotel clerk and a homeless man, both impacted by Sheridan’s callousness. By withholding these details, Blair suggests that anyone can find themselves in desperate circumstances, while someone like Sheridan is shielded from consequences.
Instead of exploring this socially conscious subtext, Blair
