Sometimes filmed content needs 90+ minutes to tell its story effectively. Other times, it needs less. It all depends on the story that is being told, the ability of the actors in the project to convey the story in the allotted time, and the prowess of the script. Dylan Pun’s short, which he also co-wrote with Michael Turk (making his screenwriting debut), is one of the most insane, inventively hilarious, and outrageous short films about kitchens and the secret muse we all have when one starts making excellent food. Presented in a mockumentary style which serves its tight running time of 12 minutes well with Jeff Yung as an excellent leading man, Shrimp Fried Rice will leave you profoundly confused for 45 seconds before having you busting at the seams from laughter. The closest thing that this could possibly linked to would be 2017’s short Great Choice from Robin Comisar — so sit back, relax, and maybe order yourself some shrimp fried rice.
Jeff Yung as Dave with Marty Stelnkick on his head as The Shrimp in SHRIMP FRIED RICE. Photo courtesy of Simple Syrup/Tree Dragon Films.
The movie focuses on Dave (Jeff Yung) who works in a restaurant and makes what can be described as the world’s best shrimp fried rice. A news reporter comes into the restaurant and wants to figure out how he came up with the best rendition of the dish, and Dave refuses to talk until his palms get greased. The Shrimp sits atop Dave’s head and controls him and helps him make shrimp fried rice, so called not because the dish contains shrimp, but because The Shrimp is the one making the dish itself. The Shrimp (Marty Stelnick) absolutely hates Ratatouille (yes, that Ratatouille (2017)), as he gets all the credit for being the first animal to create amazing food. Eventually it all boils over and Dave and The Shrimp go into competition against that *expletive-laced rant* rat and his human to determine who is the best at making animal-curated food and who can ultimately lay claim to that magically throne.
Marty Stelnkick as The Shrimp in SHRIMP FRIED RICE. Photo courtesy of Simple Syrup/Tree Dragon Films.
Sure, we’ve all see Ratatouille, but to create an idea for an Ed the Sock-like shrimp imposing its will and determination on an unsuspecting human being and throwing themselves into a competition to determine who the greatest human-puppet-chef is, to come up with something this deranged, intelligent, and insane, is a miraculous feat in and of itself. The short is tightly paced and cleverly written by Dylan Pun (Blue; Breathe) and Michael Turk, and is really going to get people looking forward to what these two have next up their sleeves. While not entirely original, the execution here is brilliantly done and the puppetry is incredible. There is no shortage of obscenity and moments that leave audiences in disbelief at what they’re seeing as this shrimp is so foul-mouthed and intense about setting the record straight.
Jeff Yung as Dave with Marty Stelnkick on his head as The Shrimp in SHRIMP FRIED RICE. Photo courtesy of Simple Syrup/Tree Dragon Films.
Shrimp Fried Rice relies heavily on both of its actors, Yung and Stelnick. Thankfully, Yung is excentric, over the top, and full of life, breathing chaos into the role, and Stelnick is exceptional in both his puppeteer and voice work for The Shrimp. He creates a character for the audience to not only get behind and almost root for in the absolute insane, over-the-top, predicament they find themselves watching and exploring. Truly something so outrageous and enjoyable has to been to be believed, and just remember, the next time you eat shrimp fried rice, it may have been prepared for you by a shrimp themselves.
Screening during Fantasia International Film Festival 2025.
For more information, head either to the official Shrimp Fried Rice Fantasia International Film Festival or Daniel Phun webpage.
Final Score: 4 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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