Short films don’t always need big budgets or complicated plots to be memorable; sometimes, all they need is strong humor, creative timing, and a cast that clearly enjoys what they’re doing. But Did you Notice the Gorilla?, directed by Beverly student filmmakers Oona Hanson and Nico J. Falcetta, is a perfect example of this, delivering an entertaining and funny experience that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
One of the most standout parts of the film is its tasteful humor. The comedy builds throughout the entire production. The concept itself is funny: A guy is harassed by a man in a gorilla suit who disappears right when everyone else looks, making him seem crazy. The great acting and absurdity of the situation makes this concept even more entertaining, and the film leans into its goofiness without overdoing it, which makes the whole shtick play out masterfully.
A big reason the humor works so well is the performance of the lead, Masco junior Theo MacQuarrie, who helps bring energy and personality to the film. His acting feels exaggerated and comedic, making scenes more enjoyable rather than forced or awkward. It’s especially impressive to see a student actor carry such a central role in a film that relies heavily on comedic timing and audience engagement. His presence makes the film feel more authentic and relatable, especially for any Masco students interested in film.
Beyond just the jokes, the film is genuinely interesting. It moves quickly, keeps the viewer curious, and doesn’t drag at any point. The pacing works in its favor, as just when the audience gets comfortable, the gorilla appears for more wacky hijinks. The music is well made, and all members of the cast should be proud of how it came together.
The film is inspired by the famous video Selective Attention Test by Daniel Simons, which depicted a scene of people throwing a ball and instructed the viewer to count the number of times it was passed. While focusing on the passes, the viewer completely misses a gorilla stepping right into the middle of the circle and walking off. It shows that when our attention is brought to something specific, we can often miss important details right in front of us. The film utilizes this inspiration many times, using the idea of selective attention to play with the viewer and the characters. The gorilla is one sneaky dude.
The bloopers for the film, available on MacQuarrie’s YouTube channel, offer a wholesome behind-the-scenes look into the process of the film, and show that this production really was a group of passionate friends coming together to make something wacky for fun. You can definitely tell that making this was a blast.
Overall, But Did You Notice the Gorilla? stands out as a humorous and entertaining short film that uses a simple idea in a clever way. With strong performances, excellent camera work and sound design, and a concept that keeps the audience involved, the film proves that sometimes the most enjoyable stories have a gorilla in them. But only if you notice it.