Riley Helm shows pure comedic genius in the cleverly titled short film ‘Rite of Way’. Even before the first scene unfolds, the title alone sets you up for something unexpected. Walking into this film without knowing anything about it beyond its name is part of the experience; it sets you up for a surprise, and Helm delivers that surprise with flair.

The opening seconds are so carefully executed that you’re almost convinced you’re about to witness something vile, ritualistic, and sinister. The lighting, the framing, the sound, everything leans into horror. But then, in a sharp, almost cheeky shift in tone, it becomes clear that ‘Rite of Way’ is not a dark occult thriller but a light-hearted comedy dressed in ceremonial robes. That pivot is brilliant, and it immediately lets you know you’re in the hands of a filmmaker who understands tone and timing.

Very quickly, you come to know that this is a horror-stylised workplace comedy set entirely in a high school gymnasium. A small group of teachers has gathered after hours to perform what appears to be a cult ritual. The purpose of the ritual is vague at first, but it’s treated with deadly seriousness as though whatever decision is about to be made could cost someone their life or limbs. And in a way, for teachers, maybe it does.

Cherie (Tyra G. Morrison), walks in late and interrupts the proceedings of the ritual. From this moment, Riley Helm’s comedic instincts start to show. What follows is not tension or fear but hilarious, natural banter and light chatter between the teachers. The dialogue is sharp but unforced, and the actors deliver their lines with a kind of casual flair that says more about these characters than any exposition ever could. Every word feels intentional, and every pause lands with some meaning.

One of the film’s quiet strengths is how evenly the cast is used. All five actors get space to shine, each clearly essential to the unfolding story. There are no throwaway roles here as everyone contributes to the rhythm and the humour of the piece.

When Cherie is chosen by the ritual, she objects immediately and refuses to accept her fate. It’s a moment that adds both comedy and clarity. Her resistance starts to peel back the layers of what the ritual actually represents. It’s not just a gag or something made for entertainment. It is a very intentional commentary. Riley Helm has creatively used this absurd setup to make a point about responsibility, expectation and the invisible burdens that teachers carry.

From a production standpoint, the short film works impressively well across the board. But the sound design and score deserve a special nod. Every audio choice feels deeply intentional. The cues heighten both the comedic beats and the faux-intensity of the “ritual,” allowing the film to dance effortlessly between parody and sincerity.

By the time its roughly 10-minute runtime comes to a close, the big reveal clicks effortlessly into place. The terrifying “ritual” is merely a theatrical way of choosing which unlucky teacher will be stuck handling driver’s ed for the school. A task made necessary by budget cuts. Interestingly, still, the stakes suddenly feel all too real. And this adds to the beauty of the short.

What’s most rewarding is what the film is actually saying. ‘Rite of Way’ explores responsibility, community, and the heavy, often overlooked burdens placed on educators. Riley Helm doesn’t preach this. He stages it as a ritual, wraps it in humour, and lets the message emerge on its own terms. It is a message that is strong and can’t be missed.

This short shows that smart and funny work all the time and also proves that with the right execution, you don’t need a long runtime to make a point land.