Strange Beasts is a sci-fi short about a world where an augmented reality game allows you to create your own pet… to odd results. Via Short of the Week:
Director and VFX artist Magali Barbe’s Strange Beasts is a bite-sized bit of twisted genre fiction that would make Charlie Brooker blush. Like the best episodes of the BBC/Netflix show, Barbe crafts a tale that combines day-after-tomorrow technology with dark and satirical themes. Told in “mockumentary” form with a glossy commercial sensibility, the film depicts a new augmented reality game that allows the user to create and grow your own pet. But, as the tagline suggests, how far are people willing to go to live in a fantasy environment of their own creation?
Barbe’s background as a VFX and pre-viz artist (this is her first live action short) are evident. The integration between the CG overlays and live action footage are well-designed and expertly composited. But, the true wonder here is how subtly and efficiently Barbe conveys her story. The world building is simple, yet effective. And, while the film’s brevity means that the plot itself isn’t particularly complex, it’s still surprising and visually imaginative. The final reveal really knocked me for a loop. Perhaps I’m somewhat of a daft screener, but I honestly didn’t see the end “punchline” coming. In turn, the film ends on an impactful, somewhat disturbing narrative exclamation point that is perfect for the short form.