Distortion looks far beyond vanity, cutting to the bones of obsession, insecurity and social personas in this dark comedy.

When OnlyFans star Mia wakes to find herself with a head wound in a stranger’s bedroom, naturally, she panics. Fortunately, she has been rescued by Max, a sweet, nerdy recluse.

Mia (Candice Majias) quickly takes control. She’s bitchy, manipulative and provocative. “Do you let everyone walk all over you like this?” she asks Max.

Majias is brilliant as the overly confident social media star. She twerks, dances and taunts Max. She might be trapped but she’s no victim, her takedowns harsh to the point of cruelty.

Distortion playwright Sebastian Gray stars as Max, capturing the anxiety of a man increasingly out of his depth. He pulls at his hair and clothing, his agitated movements and deep breathing revealing his distress. His non-stop talking and constant apologising further expose his social awkwardness. When Max finally explodes, his soft, timid voice suddenly raging is such a surprise, it’s impossible not to jump in fear.

The duo’s performance is utterly captivating and convincing. As the story evolves, concern for the characters shifts back and forth, as it becomes unclear who is the prey and who is the predator. The audience is fully engaged, groaning at Max’s misguided moves and on the edge of their seats as Majias’ eyes fill with tears, running down her cheeks as the confident persona disappears and she wraps her arms protectively around herself. Both performers move through a broad range of emotions.

There’s an edge and darkness underlying Distortion. Directed by Chloe Callow, it finds comedy in unexpected moments, breaking the building tension. The drama shifts into horror, two lonely characters emerge and it becomes increasingly difficult to determine who is helping whom, or how different these two image-obsessed people really are.

The play treads into dark territory, from the pervasive world of looksmaxxing and body “improvements” involving peptides to an obsession with appearance turning into body dysmorphia. The narrative is discombobulating and nothing is quite what it seems. Confronting and unpredictable, Distortion is filled with twists and unsettling turns, culminating in a shocking ending that will leave audiences gasping.

4 stars

Presented by Halcyon Productions Distortion is playing at Actors Pulse Playhouse in Redfern Sydney  until 20 September 2026.

For tickets visit Sydney Fringe