In Pleroma, writer/director Chris Browne sets the story inside a mysterious corporation where the workers do their jobs without question. Over time, the facility has become somewhat sentient. Many believe its corporate leaders never existed and the plant is run by robots… unbeknownst to its human workers. Some try to leave, but are prevented by the robots, while others comply and continue with business as usual. Now the robots are attempting to take human form.
The humans’ only chance for survival comes from an unlikely source: a discarded prototype designed long ago by an amateur engineer. Hidden and overlooked, this prototype may be the one thing capable of resisting the machines’ control. With their plan uncovered, the robots prepare to take over the plant completely, eliminating all human threats.
“…the robots prepare to take over the plant completely…”
I’m blown away by the computer effects of Pleroma. In fact, this film is all about the power of computer-generated effects in the hands of indie filmmakers. It’s not perfect, but the blending of sentient robots, the robot gadget army, and the real-world location is almost seamless. When I was ten, I saw Star Wars and was immediately drawn to robots and droids. In Pleroma, filmmaker Chris Browne goes that extra mile to make his creations look real, have some form of utility, and then wage war. The textures and shading are brilliant, and thank the maker, no AI was involved.
Pleroma is the indie short that could. It tells a thrilling story and gives us a seven-minute jaw-dropping battle scene. Remember Chappie? Child’s play.. Pleroma wins the robot wars.
For screening information about Pleroma, visit Chris Browne’s official website.
"…blown away by the computer effects..."
