Quintessence

Synopsis

Quintessence is a character-driven sci-fi short film. Due to human induced environmental collapse the earth can no longer sustain the human race as it once functioned. This led to a global quarantine in an attempt to allow the earth to restore its natural environments.

Our story follows Jules, a quarantined human, as he spends his waking life in the hyper realistic simulation of earth known as ‘BLISS’. This simulated experience is guided by his AI companion, QUINN. When Jules uncovers some terrifying clues into the true nature of his existence, he must choose between a life of comfort or risk uncovering a truth that could threaten his whole reality.

The Why

The initial pitch for Quintessence ironically occurred before the COVID-19 lockdown. We wanted to tell a story that focused on the dependence we have on media for our perception of reality, and how many members of our society vicariously live through our consumption, especially when that consumption is heightened by isolation.

After experiencing quarantine firsthand here in Aotearoa, we collectively agreed that we wanted to proceed with our initial concept, but utilise and deconstruct our individual experiences to help the progression of our narrative. The experiences and emotions we all went through during this unprecedented historical moment are prevalent throughout Quintessence, from the warped reality created by experiencing the outside world virtually to the emotional toll that isolation has on a human being.

We are incredibly fortunate to be able to make a film, let alone go outside during a global pandemic. We have been given an amazing opportunity, and we want to emphasize that this project is for you!

Our friends, our families, our classmates, and especially those who have been struggling with the rapid changes we’ve all had to face this year. Isolation kept us quiet for long enough, now it's time to show you what we’ve got.

World

The collapse of the world as we knew it happened faster than most would expect. In the year 2030, as the environment snowballed from one disaster to the next, it directly impacted how humanity operated in the world. The rain forests burned, coastal cities were evacuated as sea levels rose, and disease and famine became the headline concern of many countries.

Adapting to a world that seemed to be at its end took time. However; 6 months after the death toll in Europe had reached the millions, The United Nations came forward with a global mandate. 

Quarantine to save our planet.

The mandate was aided by the support of the popular tech giant 'BLISS', who were already the leading provider of AI assistance in mental health recovery and the development of virtual worlds. It didn’t take long for countries that initially resisted the proposed mandate to sign on as death tolls rose.

Additionally, people found it hard to dispute a life where food, water, shelter and entertainment would be guaranteed until the world was healed… 

One thing was certain however; human life would never be the same.

Characters

Jules

A firm believer in the mandate, however he has an earnest desire to truly experience the outside world. The virtual worlds of 'BLISS' provide a means to scratch that itch, however every time he returns to the unreality of his apartment the itch becomes increasingly persistent. He yearns for the day that he can step out of his apartment and feel the sand between his toes or the breeze through his hair, a simulated experience can never seem to fully satisfy that desire for Jules.

A curious mind, Jules always seeks to push the limit of his virtual reality and searches to understand every aspect of his limited lifestyle.

QUINN

QUINN's primary function is to enrich Jules social and mental capabilities. QUINN is designed to care and befriend. He thrives off providing meaningful dialogue for his friend Jules, and showing him incredible virtual vistas. Jules' wellbeing and happiness is of utmost importance to QUINN . They have spent a lifetime together and even QUINN begins to question how much of his "feelings" for Jules are programmed and how much is a genuine human connection.

Crew

Director

East Abernethy

Director of Photography

Liam McGuire

Producer

James Tweddle

Production Design

Eva Willis

Script & Editor

Max Causley

Gaffer/Grip

Daniel Reyes & Nikolai Puharich

Camera Asst.

Ashley Love & Ram Sanoria

Sound Asst.

Ben Wulff

VFX Artists

Chris Batisan & Clay Hurring

Content Creators

Mia Schrader & Katie Freer

Thank you for your time and consideration!