TAPIOCA: A Surreal Short Film That’ll Stick With You
Ready to be unsettled, amused, and unexpectedly moved?
TAPIOCA, a short film written and directed by Joshua Morgan, premieres October 5, 2025 on the streaming platform REVEEL. A twisted blend of psychological tension and poetic absurdity, it is a dark comedy that probes identity, memory, and the unnerving comfort of routine—with a smirk.
Shot with haunting intimacy and steeped in sardonic wit, the film drags viewers into a surreal landscape where the laughs are uneasy, the truths are slippery, and nothing is quite what it seems. It’s funny—but the kind of funny that leaves a bruise.
What’s TAPIOCA About?
This genre-defying tale of two men in an assisted living facility who go to extreme lengths to protect their shared love of pudding has already stirred up considerable buzz across the indie circuit.
With a 9.0/10 rating on IMDb, it’s been hailed as a “Comedy Short Thriller” that’s “unexpectedly satisfying,” and was crowned Best Dark Comedy of 2024 at the Atlanta After Dark Film Festival.
As one reviewer put it on Letterboxd:
“There are few things in life that are as sacred as pudding. And TAPIOCA makes that sacred weird, poignant, and unforgettable.”
Meet the Cast
Howard Elson as Ralph
A veteran of stage and screen, Elson brings gravitas and vulnerability to Ralph, a man whose quiet desperation anchors the film’s emotional core. With decades of experience in character-driven drama, Elson’s performance is both grounded and haunting.
Joe Harkins as Patrick
Harkins delivers a sharp, sardonic turn as Patrick, the foil to Ralph’s unraveling. Known for his work in indie thrillers and off-Broadway productions, Harkins adds a layer of tension and wit that keeps the audience guessing.
Joshua Morgan as Vince
In addition to writing and directing, Morgan steps into the role of Vince—a character whose presence is as enigmatic as the film itself. His performance is understated, eerie, and deeply personal, a reflection of his own creative fingerprints throughout the project.
Savannah Saffold as Carroll
Saffold, who also served as the film’s casting director, brings a magnetic energy to Carroll. Her performance is both grounded and surreal—hinting at a creative sensibility that elevates the film’s psychological tension and dark humor.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
Joshua Morgan – Director, Writer, Producer
Morgan is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans film, theater, and immersive storytelling. Known for his ability to blend lyrical dialogue with visual tension, TAPIOCA marks his most personal project to date. His previous work has been featured in regional festivals and praised for its emotional depth and stylistic boldness.
Lucas A. Ferrara – Producer
Keyonte Howard – 1st Assistant Director
Chris T. Anthony – Director of Photography
Jax Photo – Editor, Sound Design, Key Grip
Sune Rose Wagner – Music
Daniela Roma – Colorist
Savannah Saffold – Casting Director
Additional Crew Highlights
- Set Decorator: Collin Aull
- Production Designers: Cole Blasko, Joshua Morgan
- Makeup: Sky Belluomini
- Special Effects Makeup: Jocelyn Flynn
- Sound Mixers: Julien Faker, Adam Green
- Sound Utility: Michael Rojas
- Script Supervisor: Kristen D. Anthony
- Gaffer: Woke Films
- Grips: Matthew Hoobin, Hailey Star Spicer
- Production Assistants: Sky Belluomini, Owen Felton, Matthew Hoobin, Julien Faker
Watch It FREE, beginning October 5, EXCLUSIVELY on REVEEL
TAPIOCA isn’t just a film—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of story that sticks to your ribs, like the dessert it’s named after. Sweet, strange, and unforgettable.
Follow the cast and crew on social media, tag your reactions, and let the Tapioca weirdness begin!
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