HollyShorts Special 3 -Certain Thomas Review
“Are you not aware that it is forbidden to possess a device made prior to the New State’s revolution?” – Sergeant Major James
In Certain Thomas, writer/director Henry K. Hwang shows us a chilling vision of a bleak, dystopian future. I’m sure that we’ve all seen movies of this sub-genre, but given the constant drip feed from the news media regarding the relentless impact of the onslaught of Artificial Intelligence on our daily lives, be it work, relaxation or creativity; Certain Thomas becomes all the more chilling.
In fact, the film, may yet prove to be more on the side of eerily prophetic than fictional entertainment.
Imagine a not-too-distant future within a totalitarian state when you are constantly monitored. Okay, we’re basically at that point. Hwang takes us a short step further. Not only are we, the public currently monitored in regard to our movements, location, spending habits and communications, but most of us already wear smartwatches, do we not? It’s not that far a jump to imagine a state which monitors our biometrics and reactions to gauge our behaviour, in case we’re doing something illegal.
Thomas Kane (Leon Schwendener) is an Analyst, meaning in this context he’s a law enforcement officer, on his first day on the beat. He’s there to enforce the ruthless diktat of the faceless state that has determined that algorithmic systems and cold logic determine what we can own, read and listen to in our own homes. If betrayed by your biorhythms, you can expect a home visit from the enforcement officers, whose mantra seems to be; “trust the math”.
On the first day, his first home raid, Kane shows a glimmer of hesitation and empathy toward the subversive trying to escape the punishment of being taken away for “re-equation” for the crime of owning a video camera. His superior officer Sergeant Major James (Sean Weil) decides to eliminate these weaknesses by having Kane carry out the next execution of a subversive personally. As this proves to be the ultimate test of state loyalty against his humanity, Kane faces a life changing decision he hadn’t imagined.
Henry K. Hwang has crafted an incredibly well told story with an ingenious twist or two in a fully credible world that is uncomfortably close to our own. Should this be developed into a full-length film instead of a 19-minute short feature as is planned, I’ll gladly buy a ticket.
Rob Rating - 9