Sileo (2025)

A short animated sci-fi film from Hungary, written and directed by Demeter Lorant and starring Nate Goodwyn.

Set in the future, the story takes place in a world inhabited primarily by robots. The main character is Geff-325520BD, a robot whose role is that of a fixer unit, repairing broken core units inside a factory called ''Sileo''. Geff performs his objectives with great efficiency, however, every once in a while he malfunctions and parts of him need to be replaced. Concerned that one day this will cause him to lose his identity, Geff sets out to locate those who created him and hopefully understand what he is.

The graphics deserve commendations and are arguably one of the highlights of this seven-and-a-half-minute long film. Lorant worked on the animation and the computer animation looks great, creating a world dominated by technology. Futuristic buildings are to be seen, along with machines and forms of biological such as trees, birds and fish. As for the hero, Geff, his appearance resembles WALL-E, from the 2008 animated sci-fi feature of the same name. The rich sound effects are another element that stands out. Regarding the story, it is intriguing and suspenseful, combining sci-fi with road movie and supported by narration provided by Goodwyn.

This short presents a future where humanity and biological life in general has been replaced by Artificial Intelligence. AI is a major theme here, with the screenplay exploring what this kind of technology is capable of, suggesting that it has the ability of self-awareness, curiosity and to learn.

This film is quite interesting and thoughtful. However (from the critic's perspective at least), the ending comes across as puzzling, it does not seem to effectively communicate what is taking place.

Even if some viewers find the end to be unlcear, that does not overshadow the creativity that was put into making this thought-provoking short, neither does it make one forget about the themes that it explores about AI and self-discovery.