Auto Assistant Review
Auto Assistant is a 2021 sci-fi short film written and directed by Travis Ketzak.
Auto Assistant starts out in a huge bombastic opening bit that eloquently establishes a futuristic world akin to that of films like Blade Runner, however it ultimately fails to stick the landing that is given at the onset.
What I love about this film is again the way it instantly hooks the viewer with a loud and proud cyberpunk style intro that is instantly engrossing. The world we are put into is well focused, with great pieces of world building throughout. Once we step away from this though unfortunately cracks begin to show.
Making any film in the past year is a challenge in of itself but trying to make a macro focused sci-fi future short film is hugely commendable. I love the concepts that are at play here and the reaching for the stars mentality that Ketzak employs. However small details like set dressing and green screen usage end up stopping the piece short of greatness.
It really pains me to say too because I really like what Travis Ketzak was still able to pull off despite all the limitations that were obviously being given. The music selections are great, and the style is unique. It just all feels like we have this outside world that is meant to be mega advanced, while we are set inside what feels like an apartment masquerading as a corporate office that looks too much like our time now.
I think the great thing that Ketzak has a sense of is world building and what is on display here as far as trying to transplant us to the year 2089 all comes across great on paper. It is just the visuals that can’t quite match that same tone. I love the bold strokes of futuristic storytelling and I am excited to see what more worlds Ketzak builds in future films. Despite it all though I think Travis has a good eye and it will be awesome to see what comes about with bigger projects.
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Cheers!
Daniel Hess
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