Smoking Causes Coughing comes from director Quentin Dupieux and is probably the most absurd film we have seen this year. The film follows a group that resemble the power rangers as they battle big creatures to save the world. The avengers style team uses the powers of cigarettes to defeat their enemies. This means using chemicals found in cigarettes that each member uniquely possesses. One day we find the members going out to a retreat to reconnect and become a team that is much more united.

We then see the team go through telling random stories that are dark and humorous at the same time. I really enjoyed the stories that were told throughout. I believe on in particular involving a wood chipper is one of the funniest moments in film all year. Smoking Causes Coughing really shines when it throws all the convectional rules of film away and does its own thing. The performances here are great with some amazing comedic timing from the cast. A well crafted script that knows how to keep the pacing feeling smooth even when the story gets absurd. The jokes and gags also don’t feel cheap and are a reflection of our society today as well.

What makes the movie work as well is it successfully keeps you guessing until the very end of what’s to come. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the film when it started and by the end, it left me in tears of laughter. Dupieux throws some very off-the-wall ideas and blends it together to make one of the more interesting films of the year. A very absurd movie that might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy experimental filmmaking this one is for you.

Smoking Causes Coughing is available digitally and in select markets. We Give The Film a 3.7/5