Merkin Penal Poster

Merkin Penal 2014

24 min📅 2014-01-31

"It's like HBO's "OZ" ...but even funnier."

Gary faces a cruel twist of fate when he's sent to Merkin Penal, a notoriously chaotic private prison, after being wrongfully accused of assaulting his volatile ex.

Director: Mitch Rouse

Cast

Mitch Rouse
Mitch Rouse
Gary
Renee Albert
Renee Albert
Guard Rail
Mark Beltzman
Mark Beltzman
Sweeps
Ken Hudson Campbell
Ken Hudson Campbell
Mayor
Larry Joe Campbell
Larry Joe Campbell
Lars
Mike Coleman
Mike Coleman
Chase
Robin Collins
Bennie Hana
Kevin Dorff
Kevin Dorff
Sable
Brian Doyle-Murray
Brian Doyle-Murray
Buddha
Sitara Falcon
Sitara Falcon
The Falcon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merkin Penal (2014) about?

The film follows Gary, who's sent to a brutal private prison after being falsely accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Once inside, he crosses paths with Smitty, his ex's vengeful brother, and together they navigate the prison's absurd chaos while plotting their revenge.

Who directed Merkin Penal?

Mitch Rouse directed Merkin Penal, bringing his signature dark humor to this short film.

Who stars in Merkin Penal?

The film stars Mitch Rouse, Renee Albert, Mark Beltzman, Ken Hudson Campbell, and Larry Joe Campbell.

Is Merkin Penal (2014) worth watching?

With its sharp dark comedy and unique prison-set premise, Merkin Penal is a standout for fans of irreverent humor and twisted storytelling. While it's unrated on IMDb, its 24-minute runtime makes it an easy, entertaining watch for those craving something different in the comedy genre.

How long is Merkin Penal?

Merkin Penal has a runtime of 24 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Merkin Penal (2014) — A dark comedy about wrongful imprisonment and vengeful exes

Gary faces a cruel twist of fate when he's sent to Merkin Penal, a notoriously chaotic private prison, after being wrongfully accused of assaulting his volatile ex. Inside, he reunites with his old friend Smitty—brother to his ex and a fellow victim of her antics—bonding over their shared loathing for the woman who destroyed their lives. Mitch Rouse's darkly comedic short film dives into the absurdity of prison life, where power struggles and petty feuds unfold in a surreal, almost farcical atmosphere. With a runtime just shy of 25 minutes, Merkin Penal (2014) blends biting humor with a twisted sense of justice, all wrapped in the gritty, over-the-top style reminiscent of HBO's *Oz* but with a razor-sharp comedic edge.

The film's tone balances biting satire with slapstick chaos, as Gary and Smitty navigate the prison's absurd hierarchy while dodging the wrath of Charlotte's vengeful presence. Rouse, who also stars alongside a standout cast, crafts a microcosm of prison life where the real crime might just be the company you keep. Whether you're a fan of dark comedies or prison-set stories with a twist, Merkin Penal delivers a quick but unforgettable dive into the lunacy of institutional absurdity.