FREUD

FREUD (2025) is a German student-led project written and directed by Ruben Leander Bühring. The psychological drama follows Maya, a young girl struggling with her mental health; she is seen discussing ‘the voices’ in a therapy session. This storyline intercuts with another: a court hearing in which charges are brought against a therapy provider. It is revealed that the therapy provider (FREUD) is an AI database that predicted from Maya’s behaviour that she may commit a crime. In an attempt to protect others, the company gives Maya a fatal pill, killing her almost immediately.

The predictions of the machine have severe consequences and can prompt the audience to reflect on just how much responsibility AI will have in the future. The idea behind this film was unique and interesting. It definitely gets you thinking about how the protection of others can sacrifice another. It is a complex play on very engaging questions such as: can we trust machines to play God?

The links between the two narratives gain more and more clarity throughout, with the court scenes almost providing narration for the entirety of the film. This helps make the tale much easier to understand for viewers.

Without underestimating the time and budget restrictions of a student short film, I would have liked more backstory for the main character, Maya (played by Eva Marlen Hirschburger). Her demise was quick and not emotional at all because the audience did not get to know her. Small details to make her seem more human (like seeing her in more positive moments or seeing the people who care about her) would have increased empathy after her death and promoted more connection from viewers to the story.

I also think adding more human elements would have created an even deeper battle between society and machines (emotion vs analytics).

The stark contrast between the red and black colours used on the title card and credits was very aesthetically pleasing and fitting for the narrative of the film. I also appreciated the fisheye effect and thought this was used perfectly. The music worked in unison with the ebbs and flows of the tension curated in the project. I also appreciated the sound effect timed with protagonist Maya opening her eyes; the small details added so much atmosphere.

Overall, the production value was high, with clean and professional cinematography, beautiful shot compositions and an array of confident actors. The narrative touched on a multitude of themes and asked captivating questions of the audience. I would have loved to have seen the conclusion of the court and I think this idea has the potential to be reworked to fit a longer format.