Sundance Film Festival 2026 – Writer/director Carter Amelia Davis’ short animated film Homemade Gatorade feels like it should air on Adult Swim at 3 am. It’s all kinds of bizarre, especially its premise. It’s a perfect late night watch because of how abnormal it is, and it especially showcases Davis’ multi-faceted talent as an up-and-coming filmmaker.
The short follows a young woman who drives across the country to deliver her creamy (gross) homemade Gatorade to a customer who won’t stop texting her. Prior to that, the Gatorade maker posts on several online discussion forums, looking for customers. In short, she’s desperate, so when a woman named Susie says she’ll buy a whole lot of it, there’s no going back.
As the short goes on, Susie sends creepy messages, stating that she’ll take care of the seller. You would think the seller would turn around and stop answering Susie’s text messages, but she doesn’t do that. At one point, she complains that she has several bathtubs filled with her sports drink, so she needs to unload it and make some money, even if Susie gives off serial killer vibes.
The animation was also created by Davis, and it fits with the short’s surreal and oddball vibe. There are also scenes where the seller watches short video after short video, including cheese dripping into a pile of goop. None of this makes any sense, but again, it somehow fits with the short’s broader picture and peculiar tone. In that regard, the film remains consistent. If there’s one flaw, it’s that the ending is too predictable, considering the escalating text messages that Susie sends. Still, the short is a heck of a whacky ride until that point.
Davis shows off her prowess and impressive abilities as a writer, director, and animator with Homemade Gatorade. The short’s entire concept is abnormal, and yet, it somehow works. For those who like their films really weird and offbeat, this sports drink is for you.
