PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL SHORTFEST 2026 REVIEW! These days, it feels like everyone wants the seemingly glamorous job of being an influencer. You have freedom, fame, and a perceived easy job that can earn a lot of money, so what’s not to like? Filmmaker Spencer Zimmerman’s short film Headcase gives a satirical Twilight Zone-like, careful for what you wish for answer to that desire.
The film follows Karen (Siobhan Connors), an influencer who loves to talk about her mental health with her audience and everyone else, as she drives and accidentally runs over a man head-on. We later learn that the man is named Brad (Pat Moonie, co-writer of this short), who becomes a talking head à la the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
“…an influencer who…accidentally runs over a man…”
Karen dismembers Brad’s body and tries to use it in her videos in order to gain sympathy from her audience, but his words are literally like her conscience telling her what she needs to do. It’s fun and funny to see someone who is so wrapped up in themselves having to deal with the horror of their actions.
Siobhan Connors is spot-on as a self-absorbed creator, while Pat Moonie has an earnest comedic rapport with her. Spencer Zimmerman’s tale is timely, so I’m looking forward to the feature film that will be based on this short.
Headcase screened at the 2026 Palm Springs International Shortfest.
"…It’s fun and funny to see someone who is so wrapped up in themselves having to deal with the horror of their actions."
