“One of the smartest shorts of 2019, the film is remarkable for the deft way it shoehorns into its plot so many contemporary topics: from superstar culture and the exploitation it fuels, to issues of cultural appropriation and authenticity. These themes serve to highlight the larger contradictory forces at play in immigrant assimilation to the US, and serve as a snapshot of the current state of the American Dream. Despite these heady concerns, the film is never self-serious though, as it incorporates them seamlessly into a straightforward and frequently funny story, full of setbacks and pratfalls, that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.” - Jason Sondhi, Short of the Week

“Atrophy swept through the genre fest circuit alongside films with a much more classic approach to horror. Carving out its own lane, the film is a psychological terror born from the fear of experiencing atrophy, the film’s very namesake. Starring Irene Tsu, who gives a powerhouse performance alongside Bert Matias, it’s no wonder why it has snagged so many Best Performance awards throughout its festival run. An introspective and often weirdly absurd exploration of coping and caregiving, Atrophy will deeply move you.” - Chelsea Lupkin, Short of the Week