Written by Alexander Hernandez-Maxwell and directed by Alexander DeSouza, HOLO is a sci-fi short that proves some ideas sound perfect on paper. Well, that is, until emotion, memory, and technology collide into a well-meaning yet messy outcome.
In the not-so-distant future, the company Looking Glass Technologies offers a service known as HOLO, which allows clients to reconnect with people from their past through artificial simulations. Using advanced glass projection and facial-mapping technology, AI allows trained actors to embody the likeness and personality of a client’s chosen person. They study the client’s files, research their history and mannerisms, and then “step into” the glass room to recreate an interaction that feels authentic.
While the original concept was meant to bring loved ones back to life, one technician, Grey (Zelda Williams), believes it can be used to confront trauma. One patient, Claire (Morgan Kohan), has been attempting to recover from years of abuse at the hands of her late partner, Jared (Shane West), hoping to seek closure. Grey has been warned in the past that her experiments are dangerous and to stop improvising. Inside the simulation, Claire begins to confront a holographic version of Jared. Throughout the session, Grey adjusts settings and prompts the hologram to maintain the emotional balance of the exchange. As the conversation unfolds, Claire revisits the most painful moments of her past, forcing herself to face the man who once controlled her.
“As the conversation unfolds, Claire revisits the most painful moments of her past.”
HOLO does exactly what good sci-fi does. It poses a question about humanity and science, allowing it to unfold. Here, a simulation allows abuse victims to confront their abuser in hopes of finding some kind of closure. In this case, Grey is a scientist, not a psychologist. On paper, it shouldn’t matter, but it does.
DeSouza maintains the perfect tone to tell the story without necessarily providing the answer, keeping it dark and brooding with the constant sense that something will go wrong. As Claire, Morgan Kohan gives a raw, grounded performance, carrying the emotional weight of the film.
HOLO walks that oh-so sci-fi line between healing and harm, but should science be used as a shortcut for hard work?
"…should science be used as a shortcut for hard work?"
