EXT

Inspired special effects, good story, touches of dystopia and interesting development of simple idea . A good animation about a new level of migration . And wise use of Oriental flavors. Clash between two groups and a victory changing everything.

The acting is fine. The computer animation and effects are fine, I suppose. The narrative, such as it is, is okay. And then what?

There is a question at the heart of 'EXT.' It's a question that is in no way novel for science fiction, or philosophy for that matter, or ethics. It's been broached in many, many stories over the years. Yet this short approaches from a slightly different angle to ask: What does "humanity" mean? How do we define, assess, and treat sentience - especially when it would appear to take an unfamiliar form?

There is a question at the heart of 'EXT.' Or is there?

At best, that question is subsumed within the visuals, and muddied by the dialogue and animation. At worst, I'm not sure that the Big Idea underpinning the short isn't just a projection, an inner thought reflected outward of any viewer self-aware enough to connect dots that the writing does not. This is especially true because as it is written and presented, the film can't decide whether it wants its two factions to be heroes or villains, respectively. That question, which is lost or absent in the short's construction, is essential, because it's the sole factor determining whether or not there's a sensible message in the dialogue. And because that message informs the course of events of the outright animation that constitutes half the film... I don't think this was written very well.

'EXT' needed less time spent on its design, and more on its screenplay.