LAZY SUSAN - A short Film Directed by Terri Timely (Corey Creasey & Ian Kibbey)

 

NAME: PRINCE SONNE OK0

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NURSERY RHYMES FILM REVIEW

Short Film Review: Lazy Susan

Directed by Terri Timely (Corey Creasey & Ian Kibbey)

 

Lazy Susan is one of those rare short films that turns a simple concept into something unexpectedly funny, smart, and heartwarming. In just under seven minutes, directors Terri Timely craft a fictional origin story for the iconic spinning table centerpiece, not as a product of innovation, but of pure, unapologetic laziness. And it works.

Set in a struggling Chinese American family restaurant in the 1990s, the story revolves around Susan (played brilliantly by Monica Hong), who proudly avoids all forms of effort. Her dry, deadpan delivery is hilarious but never forced. Paired with her go-getter sister Annie (Julia Morizawa), the film captures that familiar sibling tension between overachievement and under-motivation with wit and charm.

The strength of Lazy Susan lies in its visual storytelling. From chairs to turntables, the motif of spinning things is used cleverly and subtly, setting up a final visual punchline that lands perfectly without needing words. The camera work is smooth and intentional, and the color palette, bright, nostalgic, adds to the film’s playful tone. Every frame feels deliberate, yet relaxed, echoing the film’s theme of doing less can still mean doing something.

Sound design also plays a quiet but crucial role here. The score complements the pacing beautifully, never overwhelming the scenes, and small sound effects like clicks, spins, and squeaks help sell the physical humor. It’s the kind of audio work that goes unnoticed because it’s done so well.

At its core, Lazy Susan is more than a quirky comedy. It’s a gentle nod to the idea that contribution doesn’t always look like hustle. Sometimes, the quietest characters leave the biggest mark, especially when no one expects them to. While its humor may not be for everyone (it leans into stylized absurdity), the film’s heart, polish, and originality make it a standout short.