The film, while short, can be read at several different levels: as a depiction of the difficulties for establishing meaningful communication with other people, as a wrenching allegory of a teenager in search for an identity, as a slightly futuristic view of the possibilities virtual worlds offer to turn you into the person you'd really like to be, and so on. Many different people will find something here they can relate to.
The music, reportedly written specially for this film, is superb. The filming itself is quite good, with intelligent use of silences and sounds, and well thought-out camera work. Lighting contributes well to the film's somewhat somber mood, and helps to separate the real from the virtual world. The acting is far better in the "real world", with very convincing performances by the two main characters. The virtual world was evidently created with a limited budget, but also with quite a bit of imagination and dedication. Give these kids a budget and they could create some quite respectable sfx.
All in all, a worthwhile, poignant short film that subtly establishes a mood and an atmosphere that linger on once the lights go back on. The film digs up and exposes something many of us, one time or another, have engaged in.
The music, reportedly written specially for this film, is superb. The filming itself is quite good, with intelligent use of silences and sounds, and well thought-out camera work. Lighting contributes well to the film's somewhat somber mood, and helps to separate the real from the virtual world. The acting is far better in the "real world", with very convincing performances by the two main characters. The virtual world was evidently created with a limited budget, but also with quite a bit of imagination and dedication. Give these kids a budget and they could create some quite respectable sfx.
All in all, a worthwhile, poignant short film that subtly establishes a mood and an atmosphere that linger on once the lights go back on. The film digs up and exposes something many of us, one time or another, have engaged in.