Directed by Derek Evans and written by Neal Reddy, who also stars as Sai, Barely Breathing kicks off with a shocking scene: A 30-something Indian American man is found unconscious after an ill-fated attempt at auto-erotic asphyxiation. The delivery driver who discovers him rushes him to the hospital, where Sai’s father (Anil Bajaj) and his much younger stepmother (Lindsay Marie Bytof) arrive to assess what looks like a suicide attempt. 

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What should be an intense and sobering sequence is instead played for laughs, from Sai’s frantic Google search for porn, to the music and sound design, and the visual gags that punctuate each beat. It’s blisteringly funny stuff from the jump. 

As Sai moves back in with his father and stepmother, he’s forced to attend an auto-erotic asphyxiation support group, leading to even more comedic gold. The writing is razor-sharp, the acting is flawless, and Evans’s direction is tight and extremely well-paced. 

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What’s most surprising is that Barely Breathing also packs a serious emotional punch, as beneath Sai’s unconventional coping mechanism lies a story of grief and loss. He’s grappling with the death of his mother, a fact made even more poignant by the film’s dedication in the final frame: “IN MEMORY OF SUBADA REDDY.” Clearly, this is at least somewhat autobiographical for Reddy.

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Clocking in at just 20 minutes, the short film is a breezy watch, but it stays with you long after the credits roll. Reddy’s comedic chops are undeniable, but it’s the heart and sincerity underneath that elevates this into something really special. 

This is the kind of short that leaves you wanting more, and, tonally, this could easily be the pilot episode for a fantastic Netflix series. Barely Breathing is funny, heartfelt, and easily one of the best things you’ll watch all year.