[8.0/10] I enjoyed the hell out of this one. The concept of ordinary people changing their appearance for clout using Compound V is a neat way to explore the superficiality and performance aspects of image-conscious social media. Much of the short is one big *Behind the Music*-esque montage, but still, it does a nice job of representing the way that performing for followers is at first an invigorating endeavor, but quickly becomes an exhausting and hollowing one. The creative team does a nice job of dramatizing the turn of adoration to a constant flow of criticism, and the way showing off for that audience can be as fake and debilitating as anything. You also root for those two crazy kids. There’s a neat idea that both Boyd and Erin liked one another before they used the cream to get rid of their freckles or less-than-impressive biceps. This is a story affiliated with *The Boys*, there’s plenty of raunch and debauchery to go round. Buty at base, this tale is a tragedy, of two people who could have been happy with one another as they were, driven to ruin by reaching for a particular image and ideal they thought they needed to match. There’s something bittersweet and low-key touching about that. Or maybe not. The *Occurrence at Owl Creek* twist a little silly, but again, on brand. Overall, though, this is a great short that tells its own, worthwhile story using the sandbox and sensibility of *The Boys*.

Definitely