Sheila (Kate Hollowell) is a vain teenager who requires attention and recognition for her beauty to feed her insecurity. She gets up every morning doing the same routine: she looks at her reflection in the mirror, she compliments herself, she listens to some recorded messages from her friends and stalkers, and then she proceeds to exercise to the rhythm of an intense and demoralizing aerobics video. After accidentally spilling a bottle of poison on her drink, Sheila begins to have a different view of what she considers good for giving her ego a punch. But will she learn from this experience? 

Bad Acid is a short film that stands out for its chaotic editing in an intentional way to cause discomfort and fascination to the person watching it. It is striking due to the contrast and saturation of the neon pastel colors embodied in each frame, but it also highlights the main character’s reactions to the camera’s close-ups. Visually it is a stunning warp of aesthetics well focused on details. It does not seem to have any flaw in its presentation, and if it does, it is not easy to distinguish to the naked eye.

According to the description presented by the production, Bad Acid is inspired by a new clothing line to be launched by Animal Crackers Clothing, and even bears the same name as the short film– besides being a short, it is also an advertisement. Although it represents the eccentricity and cliché of the 80s with high-volume hairstyles, loud colors, geometric designs and the obsession with aerobics videos, at times it could well appear to be a satire on the most famous plastic doll of all time, making it clear that its purpose from the beginning is to show a commercial face.

Bad Acid may have a different meaning to the viewer than the one it wants to portray or from its inspiration, but it is sure to stay in their head like a good hair product– for a long time.

9 OUT OF 10 TAB CANS