Pauly Shore and Nick Swardson are teaming up for a new horror-comedy short film directed by Jake Lewis. Titled Remain Calm, the cast also includes Doug Jones, known for Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, and Kevin Keppy, who appeared in Smile.
Released ahead of Halloween, the 13-minute short centers on a creature that targets people who show signs of anxiety. Lewis previously worked with Shore on The Court Jester, a short film in which the comedian portrayed the late fitness instructor Richard Simmons.
That project had fans talking, making this reunion another collaboration between the actor and filmmaker. This time, however, they are moving away from the biographical format for a creature-driven horror story.
The film follows two gas station clerks whose night shift becomes a fight for survival after a government agent warns them about a deadly creature. The short film was written and directed by Lewis, with practical creature effects created by Gorgazma. The production was filmed on location and at Reel Ghost Studios, a soundstage operated by Lewis.
Remain Calm features a monster that can only see its prey when they feel anxious
Remain Calm centers on Mr. Frett, a monster that can detect and attack people who show signs of anxiety. The premise puts a dark twist on familiar creature-feature conventions. In A Quiet Place, making noise attracts danger, while Bird Box warns characters against looking at the creatures. Here, even the slightest sign of stress could prove fatal.
Shore and Swardson play Matt and Erwin, two gas station employees whose existing tension complicates their fight for survival. Jones plays a government agent, while Keppy portrays Mr. Frett.
The monster was brought to the screen using practical effects rather than relying entirely on computer-generated imagery. Shore said he enjoyed reuniting with Lewis and working alongside Swardson. Meanwhile, Swardson said his love of horror and long-standing friendship with Shore drew him to the project.
The short is now available online, delivering a Halloween story built around one simple instruction: remain calm.
