He Who Gets Smacked

In the high-stakes, low-reward world of 1920s retail, Jimmie is a man of grand ambitions and minimal talent. Working within the labyrinthine aisles of a massive department store, he finds himself caught between the crushing weight of corporate hierarchy and the desperate need to impress his status-conscious employer. When a misunderstanding regarding his physical prowess arises, Jimmie leans into the deception, masquerading as a formidable pugilist. This lie spirals out of control when he is drafted into the 'Star Bout' of a high-society boxing carnival, organized for his boss's favorite charity. The film is a kinetic exploration of the 'fake it until you make it' ethos, culminating in a physical confrontation where Jimmie must face the literal and figurative blows of his own making. It is a story of class anxiety, the absurdity of philanthropy, and the inevitable collision between a man's public mask and his private reality.