Yes, the poster looks like Chinese propaganda, the title’s a Vietnamese pun and I’m Chinese. None of it makes sense – and that’s kind of the point. You Pho Real? is a bowl of contradictions left to simmer too long – a mix of ‘good intentions’ that, when combined, look suspiciously like a manifesto.

It’s about juggling identities, expectations and experiences that don’t fit. Ever had a doctor call you out for having a fat neck? Or somehow lose weight because your dog’s on a diet? Exactly. Make it make sense.

It’s confusion served hot, garnished with trauma and topped with a slice of “Is this for real?”. It’s funny until it’s not – then it’s even funnier. A series of jokes that make as much sense as the poster.

Welcome to the contradiction buffet we call life. 

★★★★ The West Australian