APEX PURSUIT

Apex pursuit is an animated short film set in the far future where robots, though at one point were innovations in warfare, now lack such a significant purpose. The audience witness conflict between two robots who used to fight for the same side. An unspoken grudge and the freedom from their inceptive responsibilities spur their combat.

It is visually very engaging. The design shows a lot of creativity and talent, as does the animation which is tested by the rapid sequence of the battle. The camera refuses to remain static, instead homing in on the action unsteadily and ultimately adding to the energised atmosphere. Its excitable nature in closely framing the robots’ pursuit of one another builds a strong and charged viewing experience.

In terms of storytelling, the audience may benefit from more substantial context. This is partly grounded by the narration of an opening and closing character who seems to instruct or oversee the robots’ actions, accompanied by a 2D image of their avatars and typing animation of the dialogue. The interaction between the two robots provides further context and is a strong entertainment aspect. Its limitation therefore exists solely in the lack of it, as it prevents audiences from fully grasping the world created. This may have been an intention of the creator - by dropping viewers in the action there is a sense of excitement, and the short insight into the world is saved by its interesting circumstances and the characters of the robots.

Furthermore, meeting the robots after being liberated from their civil duties is an unexpected choice. They are able to exercise a certain autonomy and continue to create conflict, though interestingly it is the consequence of an emotional grudge, rather than an echo of their early purpose. Such implies their grasp on concepts of betrayal and anger and resentment, which asks the question if this was always the case. One would assume with their militant background they would not possess emotional intelligence, for the sake of efficiency and obedience. Clearly while the short film is limited in its length, it is intricate enough to spark interest in the circumstances that exist outside the timeline we are let into.