Short Film Review “HOLO” Seeking escape and freedom from the emotional desolation of abuse gets an exceptionally distinct AI twist
WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW:
First, the Recap:
A restoration of inner harmony and the steps we might take to achieve it. We can all make plenty of statements about how life sometimes beats us down, throws us to the wolves, and ends up placing us in a state of turmoil we are then desperate to dispel. When finding those situations that rule over us, placing us IN those ongoing moments of being controlled, no ways out apparent, and fearful for what our future holds, what happens when the source of it is gone, but the torment remains?
Claire (Morgan Kohan) is a woman in such a state of being. Coming out of a highly abusive relationship with now recently passed away partner Jared (Shane West), there are still all the lingering scars that not only remind her of what was, but also prevent her from truly moving on. Seeking the assistance of an enigmatic and polemic company called Looking Glass, will Claire find their unorthodox methodology the means to encounter what she’s ultimately needing….release, inward reconciliation, and regaining of control?
Next, my Mind:
The realm of artificially reliving and confronting both the origin and subsequent effects of past trauma, the present onset of AI and its ever-growing hold over our world, and the notion of re-establishing dominion over our own lives through that which isn’t even real but rather digitally manufactured are all cornerstone ideas explored with an eerily satisfying intensity, captivating dramatic resonance, and a wholly relevant core statement about our contemporary reality thanks to this 12-minute short film from director/executive producer/editor Alexander DeSouza, writer/executive producer Alexander Hernandez-Maxwell, producers Michael Ren and Andrew Brace, plus executive producers Miranda Guzman, Renzo Sunga, Danny Laboy Valdez, and Shane West. While it remains true that this effort is science FICTION, what becomes a little more unnerving is the sheer fact that one COULD possibly see this kind of technology displayed come to pass in the future, perhaps leaving you thinking “Wow, that is clever and would be good for society.” And THEN you might also ponder….”Wait a sec, have you SEEN “Black Mirror”???”
Look, the entire concept of AI and its uses could be argued back and forth until the cows come home, but there’s no denying it remains a hotbed topic and a very prolifically displayed theme in many a film and TV show over the last several years. With more of it being highly disquieting, cautionary tales than ones advocating the benefits of what it could be, this short film, for me, addressed EACH side of that equation through its narrative that sees a woman trusting in a somewhat ambiguous company that specializes in AI technology to help abuse victims encounter and, ideally, overcome their pain then be able to move on via a whole new means of personal therapy. While the generalized validity of such a technique, much less the advanced level of AI it represents, IS unique and feasibly applicable in theory, one cannot help but still be spooked by what it entails to carry a session off and whether it really IS a GOOD thing for someone’s healing or not. The genuine mystique that this foundational examination delivers is what gives the film its edge and sense of complexity, while astutely providing a smartly executed story for us to absorb.
Additionally, it is HOW the process we see is initiated that makes for another layer of real, contemplative, moral quandary, as the people who MAKE this happen could be equally left with either liberation or a different form of inner, and here even outward, upheaval that you would think might get emotionally taxing, even when just playing a part for other people’s sake. To be required to embody someone’s abuser, to really BRING OUT that menace and demeanor full force could be something that could get out of hand, and this IS very deftly negotiated here with persuasive impact. If it isn’t obvious, I am being purposefully broad in the details here, because this truly is a film that needs to be SEEN in order to take in the substantive material conveyed and to really FEEL its intent. The visuals are beautifully shot, especially in the direct scenes involving the session, as the imagery lends yet another degree of dynamic weight to the events, drawing you into this off-kilter actuality that is both parts straitlaced and unconventional. It’s a perfect “calm before the storm” build-up that leads to quite an emphatically stunning finale that marvelously suits the film.
We are privy to all the hesitations, vulnerabilities, fears, anger, questioning, and desperation for total emancipation from the specter of abuse that we would expect, but freshly experienced in an entirely different manner to have maximum influence and, really, awareness-raising messaging that I felt was intended here. Abuse is a subject we should NOT grow weary of hearing about and finding more ways to combat. Kohan does an excellent job here in a performance that engagingly and with completely believable emotive potency illustrates a soul and life shattered by abuse who only wishes to have the opportunity to put it in the past through her role here as Claire. Now no longer having the ability to physically confront him as he’s passed away, a NEW form of this becomes available via an AI-centric alternative Claire is choosing to embrace. Yet, from the very start, her whole being seems so shaken and uncertain about it all, at least until the session is underway. But even then, it threatens to spiral out of control….until Claire’s boldness manifests in a sudden and shocking way.
Whether it has been the actual therapeutic resolution she needed to move forward is the remaining query, and how Kohan navigates her character through this volatility is deeply affecting as well as also being designedly unsettling in portraying the company’s and session’s sway on Claire’s still-fragile state of being. West (“Salem“, “Nikita“) is one of my all-time favorite character actors, as his simmering charisma, superbly controlled delivery, and just overall talents as an actor are impressive and always perfectly fit the roles he takes on. Here is NO exception to this through his turn as Jared, Claire’s now-deceased partner whom has been digitally “reincarnated” by the Looking Glass company in order for her to be ABLE to “see” him again, face down her distress, and take back what is rightfully hers. While “Jared” is literally being played by a company staff member, it is still his form, his voice that Claire is hearing and interacting with, and as the session goes forward, all the ominous, threatening attitudes that made him a monster to her in the end come through with frightening realism, causing her to first cringe, then lash out.
West so awesomely exudes this intimidatingly CALM demeanor that then burns with such an acutely, increasingly tangible ambiance of calculating, manipulative, and oppressive animosity towards her as it’s being “played” out, and it’s a testament to West’s incredibly grounded, effective, and convincing acting abilities being brought to bear. Zelda Williams is Grey, the Looking Glass employee who has the “honor” of literally playing the person whom their client is to face and contend with, in this case, Jared. As Grey showcases the research and information she utilized to prepare for the session, things begin to boil over when she begins to push Claire to a uneasy breaking point as she re-creates Jared’s controlling disposition. It’s a fantastic turn for Williams in that she must accurately act as another person altogether, which Grey accomplishes with vigor and poise. Additional turns arrive through Tony Nappo, via voice only, as Grey’s boss who listens in on his staff member’s sessions to try and maintain order, and Beth Hornby as Denise, the client intake receptionist at Looking Glass who tries her best to assure Claire she’s making a good choice.
So, in total, “HOLO” is a definitive glimpse into what could legitimately be our future if we don’t stop relying so heavily on fantasy instead of reality, how an individual’s history of being abused could end up affecting more than just them alone, the dangers of corporations gaining from other’s sufferings while trying to remain “apart” from it, and the depth of need that those who’ve shouldered the indignity of abuse are in and who require genuine renewal. YES, this IS science FICTION, and expertly depicted, intelligently and compellingly expounding on the subject natter at hand. But still, for me anyway, this overall still points to a truth that the ONE factor we just cannot afford to LOSE to technology, no matter how revolutionary or beneficial, is our humanity and the ability to HELP each other be better IRL.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
