Comedians Nick Swardson and Pauly Shore have teamed up for a new 13-minute horror-comedy short film titled Remain Calm. Released on YouTube on October 12, 2026, the project follows two bickering gas station clerks whose routine night shift descends into a desperate fight for survival when a terrifying, stress-eating creature targets them.
Plot and Premise of Remain Calm
In Remain Calm, Swardson plays Erwin and Shore plays Matt. These two coworkers work a mundane overnight shift at a desert gas station. Their tense night takes a bizarre turn when a smiling federal government representative, played by veteran creature actor Doug Jones, arrives with an urgent warning. The visitor informs the clerks that a dangerous entity has escaped from a nearby desert facility.
Initially, Erwin and Matt dismiss the warning. They suspect the visitor is under the influence of strong narcotics, jokingly attributing his frantic demeanor to “really good Molly.” However, their skepticism evaporates quickly when they encounter the threat firsthand: a monster named Mr. Frett, portrayed by Kevin Keppy. Unlike traditional horror monsters that react to sound or sight, Mr. Frett reads body language. He hunts individuals who exhibit signs of stress, fear, or anxiety, making absolute emotional composure the ultimate survival tool.
Behind the Scenes and Production Details
Remain Calm was written and directed by Jake Lewis, with a story by Jake and Sam Lewis. The short film was produced on location and at Reel Ghost Studios, a soundstage operated by the director. To bring the monster to life, the production utilized practical creature effects crafted by Gorgazma, giving the project a classic, tactile creature-feature aesthetic.
This collaboration marks a reunion between Shore and Lewis, who previously worked together on the short film The Court Jester. In that project, Shore portrayed late fitness icon Richard Simmons. Speaking about the unique tone of Remain Calm, Lewis explained that the core concept stemmed from the inherent absurdity of being expected to respond to genuinely horrifying situations with forced positivity and aggressive optimism.
Cast and Character Breakdown
- Nick Swardson as Erwin, a gas station clerk trying to navigate the night shift.
- Pauly Shore as Matt, Erwin’s coworker and sparring partner behind the counter.
- Doug Jones as the government visitor who brings news of the escaped entity.
- Kevin Keppy as Mr. Frett, the stress-hunting creature.
For Swardson, a known horror fan, the project offered a unique opportunity to challenge himself as an actor outside of traditional comedy roles. Meanwhile, Shore expressed great enthusiasm for his chemistry with Swardson. He also hinted that he would happily return to the role if the short film is ever developed into a full-length feature.
Where to Watch Remain Calm
Fans of horror-comedy and indie cinema can watch Remain Calm in its entirety for free. The Lewis Brothers released the 13-minute short directly on YouTube. Blending deadpan comedy with high-stakes tension, the film offers a grotesque satirical look at modern wellness culture, where maintaining a positive outlook is no longer just good advice-it is a matter of life and death.
