Debuting tonight in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, Rick Alverson's The Comedy follows a character named Swanson and his hipster friends, who "live in a tepid social paradise, a.k.a. Williamsburg, where their good fortune breeds indifference and recreational cruelty."
Now while that snippet from the official synopsis may not sound particularly inviting, consider, first, the cast, as pointed out by our own Ryland Aldrich in his preview: indie vet Kate Lyn Sheil (Silver Bullets, The Color Wheel, You're Next, Green) alongside Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim (yep, that Tim & Eric!). So, yeah, that's a pretty strong starting point.
Next, consider more of the program note: "Rick Alverson unleashes a camouflaged assault on contemporary culture veiled in a gorgeously crafted and humorous veneer. As taboos are broken, audience members are forced to question their boundaries and whether they should be laughing with it, at it, or not at all." Sounds perfect for Sundance!
Finally, consider the exclusive clip below, which we are pleased to present, if for no other reason than the fact that it doesn't give anything away -- other than the notion that Brooklyn hipsters wear blue sunglasses while trying to kiss on a tiny boat. (I suggest watching it in the preferred "full screen" option.) I'm eager to hear how audiences respond tonight.