Heartworm‘s World Premiere at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival
Playing like a feature length Black Mirror episode – one of the episodes of the contemplative and heavy variety – this film is co-written and co-directed by the team of Miriam Louise and Mitchell Arens. With a story that pulls on the headlines of AI and the ever increasing expansion of modern AI technology, this is a film that’s ultimately a visual and emotional tone poem that ruminates on how grief is felt, addressed, and exploited in the not-so-distant future. With gorgeous cinematography, intensely believable and palpable performances, a powerful conceptual base, and strong writing – Heartworm is sure to be one of the most effective and affecting genre entries in the coming year.
Ostensibly, this is a film that presents a realistic use of modern AI that forgets to ask the ethical question of “should we” – or, at least, ignores the obvious answers of asking such a quest. In our modern world, AI continues to expand virtually unchecked despite the growing list of important reasons to install guardrails. This is a primarily theme of Heartworm, but as the press release for the film’s premiere notes:
Heartworm is not simply about artificial intelligence. It is about love that refuses to fade, about parenting after unimaginable loss, and about the moral quagmire that opens when technology offers the illusion of reunion. In the very region shaping the future of AI, the film asks with aching urgency: if we can recreate what we have lost, do we still understand how to let go?
With that, the other primary theme the film most deeply explore is grief. In fact, the AI technology at the center or the film is designed to aid others with their grief. Yet, this state purpose is far less insidious that the reality, one that exploits grief and harms rather than heals. While these are not new themes in genre media – especially in the type of sci-fi stories that share DNA with Heartworm – this film stands out as one that feels as honest and startling as anything else out there. Why? As noted above, it’s because of the perfect combination of the film’s look and feel. With great writing, direction, and cinematography all part of the equation, it really feels like the number one reason this film shines is that it allows the tour de force acting clinic to take center stage.
Broadway star Amber Gray delivers an extremely powerful performance in her first lead role in a feature film. She is the anchor of the film, both emotionally and in regards to the on screen storytelling. The cast around her all hit their marks, as well – but the success of the film truly hinges on the obviously demanding role. This feat is all the more impressive when considering Gray’s limited screen acting experience, with only a few small film roles and some minor television appearances. Perhaps it’s her extensive stage acting background that sets her apart, as stage acting requires demonstrative emotionality, which she clearly excels at. Nonetheless, casting Gray was a truly mark of genius – and, this reviewer truly hopes that we all get to see her on screen in more roles, especially in the genre film world.
Heartworm already played on March 14th and 17th at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, but keep your eyes out for more screenings and widespread release, as the film is a can’t miss for sci-fi fans, cinephiles who value great acting, and anyone looking to wrestle with the modern technological world. For additional titles, the festival is running through the 22nd, so if you’re anywhere near Silicon Valley there’s still time to check it out.
