TCL’s foray into AI-generated filmmaking has yielded a collection of short films destined for its TCLtv Plus streaming platform. While the initial offering, Next Stop Paris, drew considerable criticism for its stiff animation and unnatural character portrayals, TCL has persisted, releasing five new AI-generated shorts. Although exhibiting marginal improvements over their predecessor, these films underscore the nascent stage of AI video generation technology. Beyond the technical limitations of AI, however, these films suffer from narrative and stylistic shortcomings that amplify their awkwardness. The overall effect ranges from mildly tolerable to deeply unsettling.
Ranking fifth on the scale of watchability is Sun Day, a futuristic tale reminiscent of Ray Bradbury’s classic All Summer in a Day. The story centers on a young girl who wins a coveted spot to witness the sun, an event that occurs only every seven years. However, bullies thwart her plans, forcing her to navigate a labyrinthine sewer system with the aid of her maintenance worker father. The narrative becomes increasingly convoluted, culminating in an improbable escape via a rocket-elevator. While the voice acting avoids major pitfalls, the characters’ frozen expressions and the illogical plot detract from the viewing experience.
Project Nexus, ranking fourth, resembles a trailer more than a complete short film. Departing from the realistic human depictions of the other films, Project Nexus features animated characters. The plot revolves around four teenagers who gain supernatural powers following the explosion of a mysterious radioactive rock. Escaping imprisonment with their newfound abilities, the film abruptly concludes with a "to be continued" message. Despite the stylized animation, facial expressions remain unconvincing, and the overall execution leaves much to be desired.
Third on the list is The Best Day of My Life, a docufiction-style short that blends live-action footage with AI-generated recreations. The film recounts the story of Dr. Warren Brown’s harrowing experience of losing a leg in an avalanche. Interspersing AI-generated flashbacks of the mountain climb with present-day commentary by the actor portraying Brown, the narrative struggles to maintain coherence. The inclusion of surreal imagery, such as a zebra morphing into a lion during Brown’s near-death experience, adds an element of bizarre disconnect. The film’s concluding sentiment, where Brown describes the traumatic event as the "best day" of his life, feels jarring and unearned.
The Audition initially presents as a lighthearted skit about an actor enduring a challenging audition. However, it quickly descends into a series of awkward and unfunny comedic attempts. The casting director’s increasingly outlandish demands, coupled with the actor’s AI-powered transformations and deepfake integrations into classic movie scenes, fail to elicit laughter. The film’s resolution, where the casting director rejects the actor despite his chameleon-like adaptability, feels contrived and anticlimactic.
The most unsettling of the collection, The Slug, earns the unfortunate distinction of being ranked last. This Kafkaesque tale follows a woman suffering from debilitating arthritis who finds herself increasingly isolated and ignored by her family and doctor. Her fixation on a slug outside her window foreshadows a disturbing metamorphosis. As her body gradually transforms into a slug, the film ventures into body horror territory, culminating in a deeply uncomfortable depiction of her complete transformation. The ending, where someone finally returns her call as she slithers away in slug form, adds a layer of tragic absurdity to the already unsettling narrative.
In conclusion, TCL’s venture into AI-generated filmmaking showcases the technology’s current limitations. While offering glimpses of potential, the films ultimately fall short in terms of animation quality, narrative coherence, and emotional resonance. The jarring visuals, unconvincing character portrayals, and often bizarre storylines create a viewing experience that ranges from perplexing to deeply disturbing. While AI holds promise for the future of filmmaking, these shorts serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of human creativity and artistic vision in crafting compelling cinematic narratives. The journey towards seamlessly integrating AI into film production remains a work in progress, and TCL’s latest offerings underscore the significant challenges that lie ahead. While technical advancements are undoubtedly necessary, it’s equally crucial to prioritize storytelling, character development, and emotional depth to create truly engaging cinematic experiences.
