New Movies: Don't Tell Larry (2025) by Greg Porper, John Schimke: A Comedy of Lies and Deadly Consequences

Core Summary: The Spiraling Lie Don't Tell Larry (2025) is a dark comedy and thriller that follows an ambitious corporate flunky whose seemingly harmless white lie to her eccentric new coworker, Larry, spirals into a chaotic and potentially deadly cover-up. When a tragedy strikes and all signs point to Larry, the protagonist must desperately conceal her secret, leading to a whirlwind of unexpected and absurd consequences that challenge her ambition and sanity.

Summary Short: Office Deceit Goes Dark An ambitious office worker's small lie to an unusual coworker about a company party snowballs into a desperate attempt to cover up a suspicious death, as she fears her secret will expose a murderous truth about Larry.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16311236/

Link Review: https://filmthreat.com/reviews/dont-tell-larry/

About movie: https://dtlthemovie.com/

Link to watch: https://dtlthemovie.com/ (US, Canada)

Detailed Summary: When a Little White Lie Becomes a Deadly Secret Don't Tell Larry (2025) is a comedy thriller that originated as a web series before being expanded into a feature film. The plot centers on Susan, an ambitious corporate employee who tells a seemingly innocuous lie to her new, eccentric coworker, Larry.

• The Initial Deception: Susan, in a bid to secure a promotion, fails to invite Larry to a company party and then lies about it. Larry is characterized as "truth-obsessed," which immediately sets the stage for conflict.

• Tragedy Strikes: The situation takes a dark turn when a tragedy occurs, and all evidence inexplicably points towards Larry as the culprit.

• The Spiraling Cover-Up: Terrified that her initial lie will be exposed and implicate her in the escalating chaos, Susan enlists the help of her well-meaning but clueless coworker, Patrick, to cover her tracks.

• Unleashing Chaos: However, every move Susan and Patrick make to conceal the truth only triggers a further "whirlwind of chaos," leading to increasingly absurd and deadly consequences.

• Dark Comedy Elements: The film blends elements of dark comedy with its thriller premise, suggesting a narrative where humor arises from the escalating desperation and ridiculousness of the cover-up.

Plot summary

• A "Harmless" Lie: Susan, an ambitious corporate employee, tells a white lie to her new, eccentric, and truth-obsessed coworker, Larry, regarding a company party she failed to invite him to, hoping to secure a promotion.

• Suspicious Death: A coworker, potentially played by Ed Begley Jr., dies under mysterious circumstances, and all signs eerily point to Larry as being responsible.

• Fear of Exposure: Susan fears that if her initial lie about Larry's party invitation is revealed, it will expose her deception and potentially link her to the escalating events surrounding the coworker's death.

• Desperate Cover-Up: To protect herself and her secret, Susan attempts to cover up her tracks, enlisting the reluctant help of her colleague Patrick.

• Unforeseen Consequences: Each attempt to conceal the truth inadvertently unleashes more chaos, leading to a spiraling series of events that are both darkly comedic and thrillingly dangerous.

• Larry's Enigma: Larry remains a central, "slightly off" character whose true involvement or nature is at the heart of the mystery and suspense.

• Office Absurdity: The film uses the office setting as a backdrop for its absurdist humor and escalating paranoia.

Director's Vision Co-directors and co-writers Greg Porper and John Schimke conceived Don't Tell Larry initially as a web series, indicating a vision rooted in narrative comedic storytelling with absurdist elements.

• Expansion from Web Series: The decision to expand it into a feature film allowed them to "continue the story and push ourselves creatively," evolving the "wildly different" early drafts into the final product.

• Character of Larry: The character of Larry remained relatively unchanged throughout numerous rewrites, suggesting he is central to their creative vision and the source of much of the film's unique tone.

• Tightly Woven Plot with Setups and Payoffs: Their writing process involved over 20 rewrites, including ten complete page-one rewrites, creating a "true puzzle" with a "large (unhealthy) amount of setups, builds, and payoffs." This indicates a vision for a meticulously constructed narrative where every detail contributes to the escalating chaos and humor.

• Darkly Comic and Absurdist: The film is described as a "darkly comic, absurdist office-set comedy," suggesting a vision that embraces the unconventional and finds humor in increasingly bizarre situations.

• Challenging Filmmaking: The move to feature film format was seen as a way to "challenge ourselves further as filmmakers," implying a desire to explore more complex narrative structures and character development.

Themes

• The Escalation of Lies: A core theme is how a seemingly small, "harmless" lie can snowball into a catastrophic and dangerous chain of events, highlighting the unforeseen consequences of deception.

• Ambition vs. Morality: Susan's ambition for a promotion drives her initial lie and subsequent cover-up, exploring the ethical compromises individuals might make in pursuit of career advancement.

• Workplace Absurdity and Dysfunction: The office setting provides a backdrop for themes of corporate politics, eccentric coworkers, and the inherent absurdity that can arise in professional environments.

• Paranoia and Secrecy: As the situation spirals, themes of paranoia, guilt, and the difficulty of keeping a dangerous secret become central to Susan's psychological state.

• Identity and Perception: The film plays on who Larry truly is versus how he is perceived, adding layers of mystery and possibly commenting on judging others based on superficial interactions.

• Consequences of Inaction/Poor Decisions: The narrative demonstrates how attempts to "cover up tracks" only lead to further complications, reinforcing the idea that avoiding truth can lead to greater peril.

Key success factors

• Original Premise: The concept of a small office lie leading to a dark, chaotic, and potentially deadly thriller is highly original and intriguing.

• Effective Blend of Comedy and Thriller: The film's ability to balance dark humor with genuine suspense and escalating stakes is crucial for its unique tone.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: The film benefits from a cast that can deliver both comedic performances and convey mounting tension and paranoia, including experienced actors like Ed Begley Jr. and Dot-Marie Jones alongside talents like Patty Guggenheim and Kiel Kennedy (who portrays Larry).

• Tightly Written Script: The directors' dedication to multiple rewrites and a complex structure with setups and payoffs suggests a well-crafted script that drives the escalating chaos effectively.

• Director Duo's Shared Vision: Greg Porper and John Schimke's long-standing collaboration and shared passion for comedic storytelling contribute to a cohesive and distinct directorial vision.

• Engaging Central Performance: Patty Guggenheim as Susan must effectively convey the character's ambition, desperation, and descent into paranoia to anchor the film.

Summary Short: Festival-Acclaimed Dark Comedy Don't Tell Larry had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival in 2023, where its script had previously advanced as a Second Rounder. While broad critical reception is pending its wider release, its festival acceptance suggests early recognition for its darkly comedic and intricate narrative.

Awards and Nominations Don't Tell Larry gained early recognition in its script form, placing as Second Rounders in the Austin Film Festival's 2020 Script Competitions. The film later had its World Premiere at the Austin Film Festival in 2023. While specific "wins" or "nominations" in traditional film awards categories are not yet widely reported, its strong showing at a reputable film festival, particularly for its screenplay, indicates early industry recognition and critical interest.

Critics Reception As Don't Tell Larry is set for wider release on June 20, 2025, and previously had a limited festival run, comprehensive critic reviews are not yet widely published or aggregated.

• Austin Film Festival (Script Competition): The script received a "positive review" and advanced to the second round in 2020, which gave the filmmakers confidence in their direction.

• Austin Film Festival (Premiere): Greg Porper's successful pitch at the festival led multiple attendees to the film's premiere, suggesting a positive initial reception among festival-goers.

• The Hollywood Reporter (Trailer Exclusive): The article highlights the film's premise and cast, mentioning "Susan going into panic mode when she suspects that Larry may have had something to do with the death of their co-worker," and suggesting it's a "dark comedy indie film," indicating a general awareness and interest from industry publications.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Early reception, primarily from its festival circuit, indicates that Don't Tell Larry is recognized for its dark comedic tone, intriguing premise, and a tightly woven plot. While official critical scores and broader reviews are still pending, its acceptance and positive feedback from the Austin Film Festival suggest a promising reception among genre enthusiasts and indie film critics.

Reviews As of June 2025, detailed reviews for Don't Tell Larry from major critics are limited given its upcoming wider release. However, its history and preliminary mentions offer some insights:

• Austin Film Festival Feedback: The film was developed from a web series that received "positive feedback" online and was featured on popular comedy websites like Funny or Die, indicating early positive reception for the concept. The script's advancement in the Austin Film Festival's competition further reinforces this.

• Anticipation for Dark Comedy: Mentions of the film by outlets like VIMooZ and The Hollywood Reporter highlight its "dark comedy" and "thriller" elements, suggesting that those who enjoy this genre blend will find it appealing.

Overall Summary of Reviews: While not yet widely reviewed, Don't Tell Larry carries a history of positive feedback from its original web series format and its script's performance at the Austin Film Festival. The emerging sentiment is that it's a promising dark comedy indie film, likely to appeal to audiences who appreciate its unique blend of humor and suspense rooted in a spiraling lie.

Box Office As of the available information, Don't Tell Larry does not have reported box office figures. Given its nature as an independent comedy thriller with a limited theatrical release alongside a simultaneous VOD launch, it is unlikely to generate significant traditional box office revenue. Its commercial performance will be more accurately reflected by its viewership and rental/purchase numbers on digital platforms.

Production Summary Don't Tell Larry is a feature-length comedy thriller (approximately 1 hour 33 minutes) written, directed, and produced by the collaborative duo Greg Porper and John Schimke. The film originated from a web series idea and underwent over 20 script rewrites before commencing production in Dallas in early 2022, overcoming challenges like the Omicron wave and harsh winter conditions. Key cast members include Ed Begley Jr., Patty Guggenheim, Kiel Kennedy, Dot-Marie Jones, and Tina Parker.

Production companies

• Pro Key Entertainment (United States) - Likely involved in the production of the feature film.

Sales companies Information regarding specific sales companies for Don't Tell Larry is not readily available through general search results. Given its distribution strategy with Level 33 Entertainment, the need for a separate sales company might be minimal.

Distribution companies

• Level 33 Entertainment (United States) - Handles the domestic theatrical and on-demand release.

Release date on streaming Don't Tell Larry will be available on demand (VOD) and digital platforms starting June 20, 2025.

Theatrical Release Don't Tell Larry will have a limited theatrical release in select theaters in the United States starting June 20, 2025, coinciding with its VOD release. Its world premiere was at the Austin Film Festival in 2023.

Why to recommend this movie

• Unique Concept: The premise of a small office lie leading to dark, comedic, and thrilling consequences is fresh and promises an unpredictable narrative.

• Dark Comedy Appeal: If you enjoy humor that embraces the absurd and finds comedy in escalating disastrous situations, this film is likely to be a standout.

• Indie Spirit: It represents a successful transition from a web series to a feature film by a dedicated independent filmmaking duo, offering a unique voice and creative approach.

• Intricate Plotting: The filmmakers' commitment to numerous script rewrites to create a "tightly woven plot" with "setups, builds, and payoffs" suggests a well-constructed and satisfying story for attentive viewers.

• Strong Cast: The presence of established actors like Ed Begley Jr. and Dot-Marie Jones, alongside talented comedic performers like Patty Guggenheim and Kiel Kennedy, promises engaging character portrayals.

Why to Watch Movie

• Laugh at Chaos: If you're in the mood for a film where a simple mistake snowballs into hilariously disastrous and suspenseful events.

• Office Comedy with a Twist: For those who enjoy workplace humor but want it infused with a darker, thriller edge.

• Support Independent Film: Watch to support the creative efforts of independent filmmakers bringing original stories to the screen.

• Intriguing Character of Larry: The mysterious and eccentric character of Larry is a central hook, driving much of the film's plot and comedic tension.

• Thriller with Humor: If you appreciate films that can genuinely surprise you with suspense while still making you laugh.

Movie Trend Don't Tell Larry fits squarely into the "Dark Comedy Thriller" trend, particularly those that often feature escalating absurd situations. This trend combines elements of humor, often cynical or satirical, with suspenseful and sometimes violent plotlines. It frequently explores the darker aspects of human nature or societal norms through a comedic lens, where character flaws and poor decisions lead to exaggerated and perilous consequences.

Social Trend The film could be seen as touching on the "Workplace Culture and Micromanagement of Social Narratives" social trend. In an age of increasing corporate scrutiny and the performative aspects of workplace interactions (e.g., company parties, office politics), the film exaggerates the lengths to which individuals might go to navigate or control their professional image, especially when confronted with the unforeseen consequences of their actions. It highlights anxieties around maintaining a facade and the internal pressures within corporate environments.

Final Verdict Don't Tell Larry is an ambitious and promising dark comedy thriller that thrives on its escalating absurdity and the intricate web of lies at its core. Greg Porper and John Schimke, as a dual force, have crafted a film that transmutes a simple office mishap into a chaotic and suspenseful ride, anchored by a unique premise and a dedicated cast. For audiences seeking a film that delivers both laughs and genuine thrills by pushing a seemingly harmless situation to deadly extremes, Don't Tell Larry is a compelling and original watch.

Recommendations for film makers

• Embrace Escalation: Learn from how Don't Tell Larry takes a small lie and meticulously builds it into a large, chaotic, and dangerous situation, creating continuous narrative tension and comedic opportunities.

• Mine Humor from Dark Situations: Don't shy away from finding the comedic elements in morally ambiguous or perilous scenarios, as this can create a distinct and memorable tone for your film.

• The Power of Collaboration: The success of the Porper-Schimke duo highlights the benefits of a strong, long-term creative partnership, especially when developing complex, genre-bending projects.

• From Short to Feature: Consider expanding successful short-form concepts (like web series) into features, provided the idea has enough thematic and narrative depth to sustain a longer runtime.

• Intricate Plot Construction: Invest time in detailed script development, focusing on setups, builds, and payoffs to ensure a cohesive and satisfying narrative, even when dealing with absurd premises.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Original, Genre-Bending Concepts: Continue to back unique projects that blend genres like dark comedy and thriller, as they can attract diverse audiences and stand out in the market.

• Invest in Independent Voices: Independent filmmakers often bring fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling. Providing opportunities for talents like Greg Porper and John Schimke can lead to critically interesting and commercially viable films.

• Flexible Distribution Strategies: Recognize that for certain films, a simultaneous limited theatrical and VOD release can be an effective way to maximize reach and audience engagement.

• Nurture Collaborative Teams: Encourage and support creative partnerships, as strong directorial and writing duos can yield cohesive and high-quality productions.

Final Conclusions Don't Tell Larry is a testament to the creative power of independent filmmaking and the impact of a well-executed, high-concept premise. Greg Porper and John Schimke have crafted a darkly comedic thriller that takes a mundane office setting and injects it with escalating chaos and suspense. The film serves as an engaging example of how small deceptions can lead to grand, unpredictable consequences, offering audiences a unique blend of laughter and tension. It's a testament to its originality and the collaborative vision behind it.