Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

If a film is subtitled “A Duckumentary,” you know that you’re in for a treat. My initial thoughts, once I began the documentary, however, was in regard to how serious the narrator, Zimmer Wernzog (Tom Miller), takes this story. There’s no reason to believe that a story about a disabled duck should carry much weight, that it should appeal greatly to an audience, or that it should be anything more than a joke. Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary is, by no means, a joke. Writer-Director Alexander Davidowski ensures that, from the ashes of subtle comedy, rises the phoenix of honesty. Even if Mr. Flippers couldn’t fly, this short documentary soars to great heights in his memory. 

Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary follows the journey of the titular duck who struggled through life as a result of his physical disability. Mr. Flippers’ owner, Joey Larson, recounts his time with the beloved pet, unintentionally showcasing the deep emotional connection that they once shared. 

To backtrack for a moment, Miller is a name that I’ve become somewhat familiar with during my journey through cinema. In his previous ventures, he has analyzed ideas that may initially be comical, but have proven to possess a level of depth that makes the subject matter worthy of its own project. Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary presents viewers with a similar sentiment. His voice acting throughout this film is compelling because it juxtaposes the veiled seriousness that permeates the rest of the film. With that, it effectively strengthens the emotional narrative within Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary. 

Getting back on track: Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary is a brilliant example of how one singular moment in our lives can cause a chain reaction, how something seemingly so small can alter us in a way that we [sometimes] struggle to put into words. I truly appreciate Davidowski’s decision to frequently revisit Larson’s supposed inability to articulate why he chose to care for Mr. Flippers. By repeating this aspect of the film, almost on a loop, viewers slowly but surely become aware of the deeper meaning that Mr. Flippers provides Larson. Who would have thought that a duck, the star of a film called Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary, would be the source of so much emotional depth? Regardless, here it is, and it’s a doozy. 

Clocking in at a succinct forty minutes, Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary remains on track, and while it moves through time, visiting a series of moments throughout Mr. Flippers and Larson’s history, the film effectively moves in a linear fashion. The film, given its structure, keeps viewers engaged, as it retains the ability to enthrall them in ways that I never expected to be possible. 

By the conclusion of Mr. Flippers - A Duckumentary, I found myself floored emotionally—deeply connected to Larson, Mr. Flippers, and their collective story. Take forty minutes out of your day to tune into this documentary; I promise you won’t be sorry. Some moments in the film may even quack you up (I’m sorry). 

Written & Directed by Alexander Davidowski. 

Starring Joey Larson, Mr. Flippers, & Tom Miller. 

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING