Ad Nauseam is an Australian comedy that sees branded content video producers Clive and Derek set out to “crack a million views” with a viral video that will push them to their mental and physical limits and hopefully help them save their jobs. Things get shaken up, however, when the pair drags former roommate turned playwright Louie away from the premiere of his latest production and into the thick of things.
Early sections of the film – particularly the opening – thrive off this fun premise and put a hilariously satirical spin on the world of branded content, while not getting too far from the human elements that bind it all together. The chemistry between the three leads feels quite authentic and relatable (even when it’s taken to the comedic extremes the film often finds itself in), though a little more diversity would have been nice. There are some fun digs here at everything from Kefka to Cate Blanchett, but in general the film occasionally tends too frequently towards shock humour and loses some of its charm as a result.
Given its small scale, the production values behind the film vary somewhat – but Ad Nauseam cleverly ties this back to its subject matter, with writer/director Nikos Andronicos constantly cutting between conventional filmic shots and more unorthodox amateur footage. Unfortunately, scenes are constantly punctuated by sudden cuts to black that serve to sabotage the pacing and structure.
At times it’s genuinely funny, and is often refreshingly original, though I can’t help but feel like Ad Nauseam fails to capitalise on the greater comedic potential its premise presents.
2.5/5 stars
Ad Nauseam is available digitally now at adnauseamthefilm.com.
