Los Angeles, CA – In a new quarterlife-crisis comedy titled “The Civil Dead,” YouTube comics Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas bring a satirical twist to the struggles faced by aspiring artists in the City of Angels. Tatum plays Clay, a struggling photographer who finds himself caught up in an illegal sublet scam while trying to make ends meet. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when an old high-school acquaintance named Whit reappears – as a ghost. Whit, played by Thomas, is only visible to Clay, and together they navigate the challenges of LA.
What sets “The Civil Dead” apart is its exploration of various forms of “death” that artists experience in Los Angeles. Clay’s claims of a friendship with superstar Andy Samberg, which goes unfulfilled, highlight the death of dreams and aspirations many encounter in the city. Furthermore, the film touches upon the death of friendships among high-school contemporaries who reconnect and realize they have grown apart. It also delves into the artistic death felt by young performers creating content on YouTube or through one-person shows, where their voices seem unheard.
The mordant satire of the film stems from its darkly humorous portrayal of these different “deaths.” Tatum and Thomas, both known for their deadpan comedy style, bring their trademark humor to the characters and situations in “The Civil Dead.” Together, they address the struggles and disappointments faced by artists while providing a scathing critique of the industry.
Directed by Calum Forbes, “The Civil Dead” offers a satirical take on the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts, particularly in a city like Los Angeles. The film’s unique blend of comedy and bleakness aims to entertain audiences while shedding light on the harsh realities faced by those chasing their dreams. “The Civil Dead” will release on January 19 in cinemas and on digital platforms, offering viewers a thought-provoking and darkly humorous look at the pursuit of success in the City of Angels.