Destiny

Written and shot in 48 hours, director Dimitri Max and writer Joie Botkin take an odd sci-fi plot to its absurdist conclusion in Destiny. It’s 2034. A loving couple—Sebastian (Tendai Dzwairo) and Jack (John Henry Elmendorf)—are trying start a family…when suddenly, there’s a ring at the doorbell. Greeting them is Marshal (Jayson Phuah), a salesperson from Legacy, Inc. Standing next to Marshal is Destiny (Danielle Heflin)—their adult daughter from the future.

Shocked and surprised, Jack and Sebastian are at a loss for words. For starters, they never would have chosen the name Destiny. As the couple gets to know Destiny, Jack is unconvinced this is what he wants.

“…their adult daughter from the future…”

Considering the film was put together in less than two days, it’s a solid comedy short. Having a short runtime helps, but a lot of thought was put into the comedic beats along the way. I didn’t even mention how the story escalates to the climate crisis, parenthood, and well, Destiny.

Fantastic performances from the cast all around. They thankfully refused to take things too far over the top but kept it grounded enough to feel real with an air of mischief.

Destiny proves that even with just 48 hours and a wild premise, you can still craft something bright, sweet, and satisfyingly absurd. Dimitri Max and Joie Botkin embrace the chaos and somehow land the emotional airplane.