Don’t Tell Larry is a dark comedy that tries hard to deliver a unique brand of comedy, only to fall short in the storytelling. Dark comedies are making a comeback, and while indie movies often lead the way in breaking new ground and pushing in unusual directions, Don’t Tell Larry appears to be on the back foot. With some talented performers and a few genuinely strong comedy beats, the film lacks depth and a character worth following.

Susan (Patty Guggenheim) is in line to get a promotion ahead of her boss’ retirement, but an odd new hire ends up putting her off her game. What follows is a series of increasingly odd events that see everyone turn into a villain — until the story eventually comes to a screeching halt. Meanwhile, Larry (Kiel Kennedy), the new guy, appears to be harboring secrets.

Even A Dark Comedy Needs A Hero To Follow

Indie movies can be and have been experimental in their approach to storytelling. It makes sense to take risks, make bold choices, and experiment. However, there are some things that remain constant when it comes to storytelling. Chief among these is the need for a protagonist of some sort. They don’t have to be a good guy, and some movies will expand the role of protagonist to a whole group. At the very least, though, there should be some charisma.

Bad or edgy characters can be a lot of fun to follow. However, a character who is just repugnant, without any sort of charm, can be distracting and disappointing. In such situations, it helps to have some other charismatic character to cling to, but in Don’t Tell Larry, everybody sucks. That isn’t to say the acting is subpar — the acting can be very strong. But the characters themselves are all around unlikable figures.

The problem with having a cast full of unlikable characters is that there is no one to root for. By extension, there is no one who wins or loses, and the successes or failures in the film become less meaningful. While Susan is the protagonist of the piece, she is an awful human being, and there’s nothing pleasant or intriguing about her. The premise has promise and could’ve been engaging, but it lacks fun, depth, and characters worth engaging with.

Don’t Tell Larry’s Production Quality Saves The Day

Beyond the vanity concept and the hollow characters, the production as a whole is generally very good. As mentioned above, the cast’s performances are solid, creating characters that stir up emotion, even if it is negative emotion. The office setting is elevated with bright and colorful elements that avoid the drab nature of real-life offices. And the editing and transitions are all clever and pleasant.

Don’t Tell Larry has all the framework for an engaging dark comedy with high stakes and twists. It also possesses dark and goofy humor that is reminiscent of a much more broody Naked Gun. The biggest critique certainly revolves around the way the characters are designed and the lack of a character worth rooting for. But it’s a watchable movie that gets pretty far along towards its goal.

Patty Guggenheim does a great job playing the antagonistic protagonist, Susan, and Kiel Kennedy steals the show as Larry, with his eerie and ominous mannerisms, dialogue, and general demeanor. Don’t Tell Larry leans heavily into this to try and piece together a story, and there is a satisfying resolution as the ending brings together several elements of the entire film. Ultimately, though, it all feels inconsequential.

Don’t Tell Larry will be released in a limited theatrical run starting June 20.