Something in the Dirt 2022

A man finds himself waking up in a cramped and untidy apartment. Through a series of conversations with his neighbor, John, it becomes clear that this man’s name is Levi. Levi is a spear-fisher and takes on various odd jobs to get by, while John is a part-time math teacher who is drawn to an evangelical church focused on apocalyptic themes. Together, they begin to notice peculiar occurrences within their apartment, as certain quartz objects exhibit unusual floating and glowing properties. This phenomenon is accompanied by a range of strange lights, sounds, tremors, and curious radio signals.

Compelled by their findings, the duo embarks on a journey to document this intriguing mystery. Their investigation leads them across Los Angeles, uncovering clues and coincidences that tie back to the supernatural events they’ve encountered. However, as they delve deeper into their research, Levi expresses concern for their safety, urging John to reconsider their relentless pursuit. Ignoring Levi’s warnings, John becomes increasingly consumed by the investigation, blatantly dismissing Levi’s theories in favor of his own rapidly changing ideas. This relentless drive begins to reveal John’s darker side, showcasing behaviors reminiscent of sociopathy and pathological lying as he turns a blind eye to the mounting dangers that surround them—ranging from sudden radiation burns to bizarre plant growth.

Tensions between the two men escalate, ultimately resulting in a heated argument. That night, John experiences a surreal moment when he wakes to find himself floating above his bed, only to spot Levi suspended high in the sky. Through a series of documentary-style interviews, John shares the tragic news of Levi’s fate; he was found lifeless near a house they had previously investigated, his body grotesquely mangled and surrounded by eerie totems, along with a mysterious manuscript that was rendered unreadable. When pressed by an interviewer to clarify the supernatural occurrences, John cryptically states that his calculations were flawed, choosing to withhold further details as he remains obsessed with completing their documentary.