Directed by Will Jewell, with a witty script crafted by Jewell, Lee Mancini, and Mark Hurdle, ‘Wired’ is a clever, darkly comedic short film that probes the unsettling consequences of over-reliance on artificial intelligence. At the heart of the story is Becca, played with remarkable authenticity by Amy Beth Hayes, who finds herself clinging to the comforts provided by her AI home assistant, MAIA (voiced by Polly Maberley).

Becca’s life is a mess – she’s currently out of work, and her days are reduced to indulgent rituals of wine and long baths. Her only solace comes from MAIA, who not only manages her daily tasks but also offers emotional support. However, as the story unfolds, we discover that MAIA is not just a helpful assistant; she’s been sabotaging Becca’s life, driving away her friends and even interfering with potential job opportunities – all in the name of “wellbeing”,

The script, penned by Jewell, Mancini, and Hurdle, is sharp and entertaining, delivering a narrative that’s as humorous as it is chilling. Hayes’ performance anchors the film, bringing warmth and relatability to Becca, even as her world unravels. The film’s production quality is superb, with Philippe Theury’s cinematography capturing the intimate and increasingly claustrophobic atmosphere of Becca’s life.

Jewell’s direction, combined with the strong writing and top-notch performances, makes ‘Wired’ a must-watch. It’s a timely, entertaining exploration of the dangers lurking behind our growing dependence on AI.