For a movie about lizard people and pizza shop conspiracies, there’s a surprising amount of truth that can be found in John Valley’s far-right spoof, Duncan. Named after the film’s would-be protagonist, Duncan makes an attempt to bring levity to a moment in time that is largely mocked by rational members of society already—Pizzagate.

Pizzagate is a (super debunked) conspiracy theory that went viral during the 2016 United States presidential election cycle. Proponents falsely claimed that leaked emails contained coded messages that connected several high-ranking Democratic Party officials and U.S. restaurants with an alleged human trafficking and child sex ring. One of the establishments allegedly involved was the Comet Ping Pong pizzeria in Washington, D.C..

Duncan takes these real-world events, relocates them to Texas, and surrounds them with a cast of oddball characters that you almost can’t help but root for—regardless of how misguided they may be. Tinus Seaux’s portrayal of the titular Duncan is pitch-perfect and surprisingly well rounded, while writer/director John Valley serves as his comically inept and maniacally mustached antagonist, Phillip. The two small town militia members are pitted against one another after budding journalist Karen Black (Alexandria Payne) propositions them both to provide security for her career-altering exposé that will surely shine a light on the lizard people and pedophiles living underneath an Austin-based pizza shop. It’s a lot to take in, I know. But no one said conspiracy theories were easy to understand. Right?

“… a fun and absurd premise that thumbs its nose at our embarrassing reality”

But Valley and team do more than point and laugh at conspiracy theorists. Each character has their own motivation, and larger topics like racism and media manipulation are confronted in appropriately comedic ways. Duncan isn’t an inherently bad dude—but his worldview is shaped by his exposures, and  lets just say… he doesn’t get out much. His rival, Phillip, is far more mean spirited and simply wants the local “militia” to earn power and respect. That said, the character of journalist Kevin Black and her motivations are a bit harder for me to place. I have my own theories, but I’m left with questions—and perhaps that’s the point.

For viewers expecting an abundance of bloodshed or chaos, readjust those expectations. While there are a few sequences that more than earn the film’s spot at genre film festivals, this is no bloodbath. To that end, Duncan’s greatest strengths come from its script. It’s not an overly polished or cinematic experience with wild cinematography, elaborate lighting setups, or crazy practical effects. The DIY spirit is alive and well in this one, and I believe it’s a better film for it. That’s not to say it’s necessarily lacking aesthetically. In fact, it exceeded my initial expectation and there are some really cool moments of framing and composition. More importantly, Valley hits the nail on the head and delivers what could be a rather controversial film with a wink and a nod while operating on, I assume, a shoestring budget. The fancy stuff doesn’t matter if the story doesn’t deliver, and Duncan delivers all of the lizard-laced pizza you can stomach. It’s a fun and absurd premise that thumbs its nose at our embarrassing reality, and you should check it out when you get a chance.

Duncan screened at the 2021 Panic Film festival. A formal release date has not yet been announced.