Fizz (1999)
A five-minute New Zealand comedy-horror short in which Jemaine Clement faces the wrath of a very angry soda machine.
Fizz - Movie Information
Fizz - Plot
Jemaine Clement (pre-Flight of the Conchords fame) is the young man who faces up to a sentient soda machine in this short from Jason Stutter.
Fizz - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the sentient soda machine in action:
Where to Watch Fizz
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Fizz - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jason Stutter
Main Cast
- Jemaine Clement
- Rod Fransham
- Narelle Ahrens
Writers
- Jason Stutter
Fizz - FAQs
What is Fizz (1999) about?
Fizz is a five-minute New Zealand short film in which a young man has a terrifying run-in with a sentient soda machine. Directed by Jason Stutter, it blends deadpan comedy with horror in a way that feels both absurd and oddly tense. It's a fun early showcase of Kiwi genre filmmaking.
Is Fizz an early Jemaine Clement film?
Yes! Fizz features Jemaine Clement well before he became internationally known through Flight of the Conchords. He plays the Chased Man — the hapless protagonist pursued by a very aggressive vending machine. It's a fascinating early glimpse of his screen presence and comedic timing.
Who directed the short film Fizz?
Fizz was written and directed by Jason Stutter, a New Zealand filmmaker. The short was produced by Tommy Ringo International and released on December 31, 1999. Stutter's playful genre sensibility is on full display, turning a mundane vending machine into a genuinely menacing screen villain.
What genre is the short film Fizz?
Fizz sits squarely at the intersection of comedy and horror — a genre blend sometimes called horror-comedy. At just five minutes long, it leans into absurdist humor while maintaining a real sense of threat. Think everyday object turned monster, played with a distinctly New Zealand sense of wit.
How long is the short film Fizz?
Fizz runs just five minutes — making it a proper short film. Despite its brief runtime, it manages to establish a premise, build tension, and deliver a comedic payoff. It's the kind of tight, punchy filmmaking that showcases what a creative team can do with very little time.
Where was Fizz (1999) made?
Fizz was produced in New Zealand by Tommy Ringo International and released there on December 31, 1999. It's a product of the vibrant New Zealand short film scene of the late 1990s, which was quietly nurturing talent that would go on to make a significant mark on international cinema and television.
What are some films similar to Fizz?
If you enjoy Fizz's concept of a machine turning menacing, you might get a kick out of The Mangler (1995), a Stephen King adaptation about a possessed laundry press, or The Machine Girl (2008) for more outrageous genre fun. Both share that spirit of inanimate objects becoming unexpectedly dangerous.
Is Fizz worth watching for Jemaine Clement fans?
Absolutely. At only five minutes, Fizz is a delightful curio for anyone who loves Jemaine Clement's work. Seeing him in a scrappy New Zealand short — chased by a soda machine — is both charming and genuinely funny. It's a small but entertaining piece of his early career history.
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