The independent film scene is changing. I'm not sure if it's for better or worse that what very well may be the best comedy of the year is currently available on its director's YouTube channel.
Rap World did screen at some festivals and in some theaters but for all intents purposes it was released straight to YouTube. Which while maybe feeling slight, also allows for the film to seen by just about anyone at anytime.
When you consider that this is also 55 minutes long and tonally somewhat niche I can’t really envision a time this everwould have gotten more visibility than it has in today’s world. But still it is strange to see great new releases available on the same platform as the latest Mr. Beast video, and Rap World is a great film.
Following a trio attempting to record their debut album in one night, Rap World captures being a, for lack of a better word, fuck-up perfectly. While certainly heightened and uncomfortable in the signature style of co-director, writer, and star Conner O’Malley, this film still does ring very true, I think anyone who watches will be reminded of more than a couple they went to high school with.
That's the real beauty of the film, as awkward and absurd as it can be, it’s genuinely insightful at times. Particularly when it delves into the insecurity these guys bury behind their bravado and false confidence that they are in any way talented musicians. Whether it be shown through Jamie’s (Eric Rahill) struggles with his pseudo-girlfriend, or Matt’s (Conner O’Malley) questionable effort as a father.
But, Rap World is a comedy first and foremost, a sometimes surprisingly smart and dark one, but a comedy nonetheless, and it is very funny. Some of the films best gags are purely from its use of the mockumentary form, these guys might not be very talented rappers but the fictional directors not a very good filmmaker. The incompetent use of title cards stands out in particular as a brilliant very simple gag.
This awkward and sort of sad style of comedy certainly isn’t for everyone but Rap World is also the easiest movie of the year to watch its under an hour long and available for free on YouTube. Just for that alone there’s not a film thats been released all year that I can recommend more strongly than Rap World.