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Synopsis
World-renowned detective Simon arrives in the eccentric town of New Babel to investigate a grand mystery that only he can solve — or so the legend goes. As he navigates a colorful cast of suspects and allies, the line between reality and performance blurs, and Simon must confront not just the case but his own fragmented identity.
With a runtime of just 60 minutes, the film packs comedy, crime, romance, and mystery into a whirlwind narrative that leans heavily on stylized visuals and meta-humor, leaving the audience to decide whether Simon truly conquers or merely survives.
Simon. The Conqueror! Review: A Quirky Detective Romp With More Ambition Than Polish
Simon. The Conqueror! arrives as a 60-minute genre blender that wears its influences on its sleeve. Writer-director Jake Richardson stars as the titular detective — plus a handful of other characters — in a micro-budget comedy-crime-romance-mystery that feels like a love letter to Wes Anderson and the Coen brothers, filtered through a distinctly DIY lens.
Direction and Vision
Richardson’s direction is energetic and unapologetically stylized. The town of New Babel is rendered with theatrical sets and a color palette that pops despite obvious financial constraints. There’s a charming homemade quality to the world-building, but the film’s visual ambition often outpaces its execution; scenes occasionally feel staged rather than lived-in, and the pacing suffers from abrupt tonal shifts between slapstick, noir pastiche, and genuine sentiment.
Performances: A One-Man Show
The most striking choice is Richardson playing multiple roles — Simon, Alternate Simon, Black Hat, White Hat, Gas Man, Wild Child, and Narrator. It’s a bold stunt that showcases his range, yet the sheer number of characters dilutes each portrayal. The supporting cast, largely comprised of Richardson family members (Rodney Richardson as Heavy, Kenzie Richardson as Cherry Conqueror, Lee Richardson as Countess Electra), brings an earnest, theatrical energy that fits the film’s heightened tone. Robert Croley as Roland provides a grounded anchor amid the chaos.
Story and Tone
The mystery at the center is deliberately slight, serving more as a clothesline for gags and character moments than a satisfying puzzle. The romance thread feels undercooked, and the crime elements lack stakes. However, the film’s brisk runtime prevents it from overstaying its welcome, and there are genuine laughs — particularly in the meta-commentary delivered by the Narrator. The tagline “Lover. Fighter. Sleuth.” promises a balance the movie never quite achieves, but the attempt is endearing.
Who Should Watch
Fans of ultra-indie, high-concept comedies who appreciate ambition over polish will find something to admire. Viewers expecting a tight mystery or polished production values will likely be frustrated. It’s a curiosity piece — the kind of film that plays better at a midnight festival screening than on a quiet Tuesday night.
Pros
- Ambitious multi-role performance by Jake Richardson
- Unique blend of comedy, crime, romance, and mystery
- Brisk 60-minute runtime keeps the pace lively
- Creative low-budget world-building with theatrical flair
- Memorable supporting turns from the Richardson family cast
Cons
- Uneven pacing and abrupt tonal shifts
- Low-budget constraints visible in production design
- Mystery elements feel underdeveloped and low-stakes
- Humor misses as often as it lands
- Narrative ambition exceeds execution
Verdict
Simon. The Conqueror! is a fascinating, flawed experiment that rewards patience and a taste for the unconventional. Its DIY charm and multi-role performance are memorable, but uneven pacing and underdeveloped genre elements keep it from fully cohering. Worth a watch for indie comedy aficionados; others may find it more admirable than enjoyable.
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Frequently Asked
Is Simon. The Conqueror! worth watching?
If you enjoy micro-budget, genre-bending indie comedies with a DIY aesthetic, it’s a curious watch. Mainstream audiences may find the rough edges distracting.
What is Simon. The Conqueror! about?
A famed detective enters the strange town of New Babel to solve a grand mystery, encountering a host of eccentric characters while grappling with his own multiple personas.
Is Simon. The Conqueror! suitable for kids?
The film has no official certification, but its crime themes, stylized violence, and meta humor suggest it’s best for teens and adults.
Who directed Simon. The Conqueror!?
Jake Richardson wrote, directed, and stars in the film, playing seven distinct roles.
How long is Simon. The Conqueror!?
The runtime is 60 minutes.
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