Ik ben geen robot

Starts off creepy in a quirky way, then gets somewhat annoyingly too similar to classic sci-fi; becomes a black comedy with unfortunately heavy-handed commentary; finally heads back toward a tragic tone, but without finality.

It was occasionally hilarious, I'll give it that. A certain character definitely needs to play more of these satisfyingly slouching, hangdog characters semi-ashamed of themselves. Be a lot more entertaining in an actual comedy.

I had thought it was going to be an allusion to autistic people being flagged as robots by AI (the IRONY), e.g., in academia, where their writing styles are somehow mistaken for plagiarism. Kind of wish it had-particularly after the reference to a detached, standards-compliant version of workplace diversity.

A "diversity" that blatantly excludes and stigmatizes anyone who doesn't make sufficient eye contact, isn't "outgoing" enough in a champagne-and-mind-games way, isn't "a people person" in an antisocial, insular bubble that treats people as disposable resources.

I think there's huge potential to depict the dehumanization of humans while anthropomorphizing machines; the (unbelievably common) self-centered stupidity it must take to commit such ethical crimes because an advertisement, a blog, a news article or university said that's okay; then to refuse to consider the possibility of being wrong.

The basic plot of I'm Not a Robot has been done, over and over. Time to explore greater depths with this concept. But that would require courage and creativity to tackle controversies, and withstand public mudslinging. Hope these creators will challenge themselves to do so.

At the heart of this subtle sci-fi short is the question so many of us ask ourselves (even if only in the dark corners of the mind), which is: Do I belong here. "Here" could mean work, among friends, in your family, with a lover, in your community, or maybe even the "here" of anywhere. Do I deserve to be here as a living, thinking, entity? So many people in one's life can undermine our simple birthright of existence, whether parents, teachers or others, and but rarely would you so suddenly face such an existential crisis as Lara does in this compact but very effective story.

What especially reinforces the central theme of "Am I human?" is the way that throughout the film she is almost never allowed to be alone. Coincidence by virtue of a busy office? Or is everyone else in the the "truth" but her? Both the editing and cinematography do a great job of leaning into a growing claustrophobia as the story unfolds, all of reinforced by a kind of corporate HR vibe that is fairly dehumanizing in itself.

Interesting idea, decent use of it. But not real convincing Sure, a subject who becomes more and more seductive, provocative and just cool. One of familiar situations for many from us- captcha is al ways source of nervosity. But the situation, maybe only for me, sounds real - real unrealistic and more poor Daniel seems a bot , not exactly energetic Lara.

But , obvious , pretty unfair to be too critic about a story proposing only illustration for a future not comfortable for part of us , especially elders.

Nice acting - Ellen Parren offers a charming work, unuseful presence of Pam , ambiguous final.

"I'm Not a Robot" is an outstanding short film that captivates its audience from start to finish. The writing is both clever and poignant, weaving a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity and humanity in a digital age. The script is rich with subtle humor and deep emotional resonance, keeping viewers fully engaged throughout.

Ellen Parren's performance is nothing short of remarkable. She brings a nuanced depth to her character, capturing the complexities of someone navigating a world that constantly blurs the lines between human and machine. Parren effortlessly embodies her character's struggles and triumphs, allowing the audience to connect deeply with her journey. Her expressive range shines through every scene, making her portrayal genuinely memorable.

The film's unique premise, combined with Parren's exceptional talent, creates a thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The storytelling is concise yet impactful, demonstrating that even in a short format, powerful narratives can emerge. Overall, "I'm Not a Robot" is a testament to the artistry of its creators, particularly the brilliant writing and Ellen Parren's outstanding performance. I wholeheartedly give this short film a five-star rating and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating cinematic experience.

"I'm Not a Robot" is a sharp, timely provocation that confronts humanity's growing dependence on technology while questioning the very essence of what makes us human. The story revolves around Lara (Ellen Parren), a music producer who, after repeatedly failing CAPTCHA tests, begins to doubt her own humanity. From this quirky premise, the film weaves a narrative that blends humor, tension, and a hint of melancholy, exploring the thin line between what makes us human and what draws us closer to machines.

Parren's performance is one of the film's standout elements. She portrays Lara with remarkable authenticity, shifting between frustration, doubt, and despair in a way that draws the audience into her existential crisis. The supporting characters, like Daniel (Henry van Loon), with his awkward shyness, and Pam (Thekla Reuten), with her detached coldness, serve as perfect counterpoints, amplifying Lara's sense of unease. These interactions effectively highlight the emotional isolation that often accompanies modern technology, reinforcing the film's exploration of human disconnection in the digital age.

From a technical perspective, "I'm Not a Robot" is flawless in its use of settings and soundtrack. The choice of locations, such as garages and stairwells, enhances the claustrophobic, introspective tone of the story. The inclusion of Radiohead's "Creep" brilliantly encapsulates the central theme: the dilemma of being special versus being easily replaceable. The unexpected ending is a final punch that leaves viewers reflecting uneasily on how technology shapes our lives and redefines human connection. This short film is a compelling and thought-provoking work that challenges the boundaries between fiction and reality in a truly memorable way.