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Apotheosis

5/5
An immersive futuristic sci-fi drama about human endurance.

Synopsis

Selene, a diligent aerospace grad student, dreams of working on Colony Ourania, the first functioning space colony. However, she is a naturally born human living amongst the first generation of genetically engineered ‘designer baby’ humans, making for a highly competitive job market. After her mother loses her job, there is a sabotage attack on the space colony so the company that owns it, Rusk Ventures, launches a recruiting campaign open to everyone, and Selene takes the opportunity. She and her genetically engineered friend Fabrizio, Rusk’s son, both compete.

Review

Directed by Max Pearce, from a screenplay by Pearce and Maria Sara Santoro, ‘Apotheosis’ is an immersive sci-fi drama that centres around a futuristic society where genetically engineered humans take precedence over the naturally born. Rene Leech leads the cast as Selene, a young natural who is determined to fight off stiff competition (from the genetically engineered) to win her place on a life-altering space colony. Dor Gvirtsman co-stars as Fabrizio, Selene’s GE friend and fellow space candidate. A riveting tale of human endurance, friendship and an unjust social order.

Throughout the 20-minute film, which is artfully shot by John Burroughs Hanle (DOP), the narrative explores how social prejudice is affecting the naturally born within the working class. After Selene’s mother loses her job to a GE, she asserts herself into a rigorous testing programme to be part of a new operational team on Ourania – an awe-inspiring space colony. The plot examines her tense friendship with Fabrizio, and her enduring will-power to defy-the-odds.

Max Pearce has created an astonishing cinematic experience, which will no doubt stun the viewing audience. The film is an accumulation of distinguished craftmanship – from production design to onscreen talent. Rene Leach and Dor Gvirtsman both deserve huge acclaim for their enthralling performances, as does Jane Casserly and Ross Turner (in supporting roles). ‘Apotheosis’ has the aesthetics of a Hollywood block-buster – which is credit to the crew’s stellar proficiency. The blazing narrative, which keeps viewers on tenterhooks, is neatly structured and thoroughly entertaining. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Max Pearce
Writer(s): Maria Sara Santoro, Max Pearce
Cast: Dor Gvirtsman, Jane Casserly, Rene Leech, Ross Turner
Producer(s): Maria Sara Santoro
Director of Photography: John Burroughs Hanle
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre: ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2022
Runtime: 18 min

Recommended

Synopsis

Selene, a diligent aerospace grad student, dreams of working on Colony Ourania, the first functioning space colony. However, she is a naturally born human living amongst the first generation of genetically engineered ‘designer baby’ humans, making for a highly competitive job market. After her mother loses her job, there is a sabotage attack on the space colony so the company that owns it, Rusk Ventures, launches a recruiting campaign open to everyone, and Selene takes the opportunity. She and her genetically engineered friend Fabrizio, Rusk’s son, both compete.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Max Pearce
Writer(s): Maria Sara Santoro, Max Pearce
Cast: Dor Gvirtsman, Jane Casserly, Rene Leech, Ross Turner
Producer(s): Maria Sara Santoro
Director of Photography: John Burroughs Hanle
Animation:

Specifcations

Genre: ,
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2022
Runtime: 18 min

Recommended

Apotheosis

5/5

An immersive futuristic sci-fi drama about human endurance.

Apotheosis Short Sci Fi Film
Directed by Max Pearce, from a screenplay by Pearce and Maria Sara Santoro, ‘Apotheosis’ is an immersive sci-fi drama that centres around a futuristic society where genetically engineered humans take precedence over the naturally born. Rene Leech leads the cast as Selene, a young natural who is determined to fight off stiff competition (from the genetically engineered) to win her place on a life-altering space colony. Dor Gvirtsman co-stars as Fabrizio, Selene’s GE friend and fellow space candidate. A riveting tale of human endurance, friendship and an unjust social order.

Throughout the 20-minute film, which is artfully shot by John Burroughs Hanle (DOP), the narrative explores how social prejudice is affecting the naturally born within the working class. After Selene’s mother loses her job to a GE, she asserts herself into a rigorous testing programme to be part of a new operational team on Ourania – an awe-inspiring space colony. The plot examines her tense friendship with Fabrizio, and her enduring will-power to defy-the-odds.

Max Pearce has created an astonishing cinematic experience, which will no doubt stun the viewing audience. The film is an accumulation of distinguished craftmanship – from production design to onscreen talent. Rene Leach and Dor Gvirtsman both deserve huge acclaim for their enthralling performances, as does Jane Casserly and Ross Turner (in supporting roles). ‘Apotheosis’ has the aesthetics of a Hollywood block-buster – which is credit to the crew’s stellar proficiency. The blazing narrative, which keeps viewers on tenterhooks, is neatly structured and thoroughly entertaining. Highly recommended.

Recommended