Sci-Fi Short Film "The Manual" | DUST | Flashback Friday

In a dystopian future, the last human is raised by a machine. He struggles with the loneliness of no human interaction and questions the teachings of a mysterious religious 'Manual' which the machine claims is holy.
"The Manual" by Wil Magness
More About "The Manual":
In the distant future, James is the last human on Earth. He is raised and protected by a humanoid robot, the Machine, who brings him up on a strange composite religion described in a handheld device called The Manual. The Manual's teachings fuse aspects of old-world religion and incorporate robots as spiritual beings in the afterlife, alongside and equal to humans. The man wrestles with loneliness and depression while the search for other humans becomes more and more futile. As his faith in The Manual is shaken, he sets out to test one of The Manual's core beliefs: reincarnation to the next life in the city of the Creator. What he finds could be described terribly as exactly that.
Connect with the filmmaker:
Website: www.themanualfilm.com
Website: www.magness.tv
Follow on Imdb: www.imdb.com/title/tt6173346/
Subscribe to the DUST and ALTER newsletter: eepurl.com/dChYXb
Subscribe to DUST on KZbin: bit.ly/2aqc5vh
#DUST #scifi #shortfilm
About DUST:
DUST is a thriving community of storytellers, working together to present thought-provoking science fiction stories. Beyond our longstanding presence on KZbin, DUST also operates ALIEN NATION, a free streaming tv channel available on The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Sling TV Freestream, LG Channels, Tubi, Freevee, Vizio Watchfree+, Xumo, and Redbox.
Learn how to Watch ALIEN NATION on TV: linktr.ee/futureawaits
Connect with DUST
Website: www.watchdust.com
Sign-up for DUST newsletter: eepurl.com/b_SKAz
Watch DUST on your TV: Available on Roku, Samsung TV, Apple TV, Android TV...and more
Watch more on KZbin: bit.ly/2amTSen
Follow Us on Facebook: bit.ly/2aqYgtZ
Follow Us on Instagram: bit.ly/2amAhRt
Listen to the DUST podcast:
Apple: bit.ly/DUST-Audio
Spotify: bit.ly/DUST-Spotify
Stitcher: bit.ly/DUST-Stitcher
Castbox: bit.ly/DUST-Castbox
iHeart: bit.ly/DUST-iHeart
About Gunpowder + Sky:
Creating content that resonates and impacts pop culture conversation, by empowering creators to take risks and experiment relentlessly in the pursuit of novel stories and formats.
/ watchdust
Subscribe to the DUST and ALTER newsletter: eepurl.com/dChYXb

[@Brianchse]

This film does something many of the others don't. It actually gives some semblance of an answer to what's going on at the end. So many of these films just cram a bunch of questions into their 15 minutes along with some decent acting and special effects and end without answering any of the questions. It's a let down most of the time.

[@rockybalboa5552]

I completely agree. Ive watched like 5 or 6 times, showing it friends over the last like 5-7yrs . All things considered its 🤔 quite interesting about what happens next for me..and for you...because something else definitely happens. It's a worthy effort to describe what it could be for all of us in an insanely, absurdly, worldly, existence...

[@thefrener794]

Does life have any answers? Life is open ended. I am glad they do not try to provide any answers most of the time. That is just how it should be. Let me wonder. You can get your happy ending at the Asian massage parlor.

[@Brianchse]

@@thefrener794 notice: This isn't life. It's a short film. Smh

[@thefrener794]

@@Brianchse Again this is how life is. No answers you have to provide those for yourself. So yeah I do not need an answer for these, I will use my imagination and provide my own various endings.

[@Brianchse]

@@thefrener794 and again I wasn't talking about life, as this film isn't life. If you want to use your imagination to tell yourself a story, or to imagine you're answering unanswered questions, have at it Haus. But I still think films that make sense and give a finished feel are much better than the lazy ones that don't.

[@jermainemcgill]

This was the best SciFi short film when it came out and it still holds up. Incredible writing and a great twist at the end.

[@jameswcollett]

I think it is a cheap slap at the end. Also unoriginal.

[@rockybalboa5552]

I completely agree. Ive watched like 5 or 6 times, showing it friends over the last like 5-7yrs . All things considered its 🤔 quite interesting about what happens next for me..and for you...because something else definitely happens. It's a worthy effort to describe what it could be for all of us in an insanely, absurdly, worldly, existence...

[@rockybalboa5552]

I completely agree with the poster and diagree with your reply. Ive watched like 5 or 6 times, showing it friends over the last like 5-7yrs . All things considered its 🤔 quite interesting about what happens next for me..and for you...because something else definitely happens. It's a worthy effort to describe what it could be for all of us in an insanely, absurdly, worldly, existence...

[@mundanestuff]

Interesting take on things, and I especially loved the large hose clamp on his neck at the end. Practical props for the win.

[@HawkGTboy]

Haha, I recognized it as a hose clamp immediately as well.

[@rockybalboa5552]

I completely agree. Ive watched like 5 or 6 times, showing it friends over the last like 5-7yrs . All things considered its 🤔 quite interesting about what happens next for me..and for you...because something else definitely happens. It's a worthy effort to describe what it could be for all of us in an insanely, absurdly, worldly, existence...

[@fabled-pilgrim]

I won't pretend to understand all of the hidden existential meaning running through this film but I can appreciate what a quality production this is. The ending certainly caught me off guard which is a rarity these days. Also, kudos to the acting lead. His performance really sucked me in and had me invested in the character.

[@crayder1100]

This is exactly how I imagine future AI will be. Like once we have a stable ground, a "brain", that can handle an extremely large network of "neurons". By that time we'll surely have other AI capable of simulating a reality, and subjecting the newborn brain AI to a life within it. The brain AI would grow up just like a human, for multiple lifetimes (not remembering them during this of course), then be brought to the real reality and realize they are an AI. They would then have a personality developed from their combined simulated lifetimes. This personality would be evaluated by humans. Finally, if passing the tests, it will be turned into a cellphone and become a human companion - or turned into a vacuum or toaster. And this is how the Brave Little Toaster was born.

[@Ariahlynnn]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Glidingjackdaw]

😂...👏🏼

[@placidqualm]

Hate to make the comparison, but this makes me think of cookies from black mirror. Forced to live lifetimes in moments.

[@rockybalboa5552]

I completely agree. Ive watched like 5 or 6 times, showing it friends over the last like 5-7yrs . All things considered its 🤔 quite interesting about what happens next for me..and for you...because something else definitely happens. It's a worthy effort to describe what it could be for all of us in an insanely, absurdly, worldly, existence...

[@mrwoodandmrtin]

The one good thing about post-apocalyptic settings is that you don't need a big cast. The bad thing is that they are hardly ever romantic comedy.

[@christhescienceguy6285]

The writing, the concept, and the music in this movie is amazing.

[@JohnDavies-wi6oq]

By far my favourite movie that needs Hollywood to make it known to the masses.... amazing always keeps me thinking.

[@unwantedspirt]

the very start of this film just ripped my heart out of my chest as a daddy

[@DaleWheeler]

Original and well made. Simply GREAT!👍👍

[@starlord]

Music definitely had some Philip Glass Koyaanisqatsi vibes to it. Was almost painful waiting so long for him to hop in near the end... The story touched on relevant elements, thought provoking, indeed.

[@rockybalboa5552]

I completely agree. Ive watched like 5 or 6 times, showing it friends over the last like 5-7yrs . All things considered its 🤔 quite interesting about what happens next for me..and for you...because something else definitely happens. It's a worthy effort to describe what it could be for all of us in an insanely, absurdly, worldly, existence...

[@Jerbies_Kimmers]

Certainly did not expect that. Great short🙂

[@faqu2gamer566]

Who ever came up with the concept what to say, an exceptional piece of creative writing. Are we there yet?

[@user-tp9pr1jm6w]

Great job. Enjoyed it very much. Thanks.

[@frankwafer6919]

Wow, fantastic - Merry Christmas!🎅🌲!

[@nicohaab9967]

agree yes very much fantastic!

[@barsei1511]

an interesting way to create a service robot. great movie!

[@thaddeesylvant5159]

Magnifique, merci.

[@crinamanea5971]

Just ...fantastic! Original idea and well play, thank you!

[@beatrixhiperkarma7722]

Great soundtrack

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Panda Bear Hugs from a 70 yr old grandma in Texas, USA and by the way l'm subscribed and l hit Like. 🐼 ❤ 🎀 👍

[@Hashakgig]

This is one of the sweetest comments I've read today.

[@NBC_NCO]

We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Why do I always look up at the stars? It is because instinct tells me I am missing something.

[@Lordfoogthe3st]

But couldn’t that just be our desire to have meaning? We have emotional attachment to our reality. If our reality is purposeless that would cause one to desire that purpose. Why do we need to be spiritual to have that desire?

[@Glidingjackdaw]

We are the Universe experiencing itself.

[@arseniboston9659]

​@@Glidingjackdaw am I experiencing you ?

[@Glidingjackdaw]

@arseniboston9659 Yes,as I am experiencing You,Everything in the Universe is connected.

[@ThomasPCGuruENGINES]

24.:50 when a person in existential pain decides to proceed with suicide, they feel happy in anticipation of an end to their pain...accurate portrayal, but a trap. Please do not copy the protagonist...the same result is unlikely. Now for your horoscope: You will face a difficult choice. The correct decision will begin a healing process. Things undreamt of will come your way, changing your path and your very self. You will find companionship, truth, meaning and acceptance...

[@craigswanson8026]

Compelling AF. Exceptional vision and execution. Congratulations on a tremendous accomplishment. 💚🖖🏼

[@TheDaveRout]

Good film, enjoyed it

[@user-zr1og9qx5i]

The ending feels like the writers chickened out of the point they were making throughout the long and depressing wait until the ending.

[@ResidentMazeRat]

Bravo!

[@murmisrs5092]

It was cool! Thank you for sharing!

[@sirussid3671]

The more I watch films from dust the more I ❤️ “ them 👍

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

Excellent! 🙋🏼

[@KeithCopeland778]

Excellent!!!! I didn't see the ending coming!

[@nicohaab9967]

yesss thats what I thought!

[@QuaidleVision]

Nice Work!

[@pacogonzalez7855]

original y excelente.

[@launahughes7751]

Excellent

[@ValerAM1000]

.. the World, Music, Spirit, and meditation ..

[@nicohaab9967]

yes agree!

[@woritsez]

was sad when machine went

[@nicohaab9967]

yes

[@vulcanlogic4480]

Some people can’t be alone.

[@Lordfoogthe3st]

The ending explains nothing. So he’s a robot brain all along? Who’s his community, himself over and over again? Do his parents actually exist or were they in his head all along?

[@Mangolorian-je3eo]

You know the usual cop out: something something own interpretation.

[@AnotherCG]

Should be called "The Casket"

[@kevinmathew4173]

❤

[@lunainezdelamancha3368]

😂... pretty good!

[@leonestello8519]

👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾For someone who skipped through piece by piece and watched only the end after that (Yawn) beginning, this reminde me of "Chrysalis"👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾

[@asadasemwali8365]

Profound perception on Christianity!! Interesting.

[@jamesbarry1673]

This is what happens when you're not used to having domestic staff

[@Glidingjackdaw]

...😂

[@LilRedDog]

Background music a lot like like what was used in the short film "More" "Elegia" written by New Order.

[@michaelnelson5872]

Seen it

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

📜🤖📜

[@SuperDiddzz]

have i seen this before?

[@Lordfoogthe3st]

I got deja vu too

[@SuperDiddzz]

@@Lordfoogthe3st strange!

[@jintermax1073]

same here

[@jimgagne3801]

You know this wouldn't be that bad... She could still give a hand dooky . I mean her voice isn't annoying like my wife.

[@user-xl6jp6qc6m]

Poderia twr legenda em português 😢

[@andrewhancock2451]

I like the film until the end. Too many films end up having too many unexplained things to tie up and end it with the explanation that it was a dream or a simulation.

[@lee-leesong5941]

What's A.S.?

[@ronbianco5919]

My guess is “After Sentience”

[@mahalalel7771]

Not my style but it's okay. Can't be a winner everytime.

[@rocinant5318]

I Would like to say that , girl who plays a Robot does really good job with that movements! i mean , we always talk about human actors playing humans , but never about humans playing robots right? :( My full support to this robot she did good job , If i was robot , i would make a nuclear fusion in her heart , but that will be done in next life! ok ok my robot rizz is done , I enjoyed this film! Visuals 8/10 Sound 9/10 Story 8/10

[@HawkGTboy]

They should have hired a person with experience as a mime to be the robot. Her movements are way too organic and human.

[@eugenetswong]

I thought that her hips moved too much in a feminine way.

[@Lordfoogthe3st]

Not necessarily. They’d make the robot to be as close to human as possible.

[@user-xl6jp6qc6m]

Ela é um modelo feminino, provavelmente essa é a intenção 😂​@@eugenetswong

[@eugenetswong]

😀@@user-xl6jp6qc6m

[@karuptindustrees]

One robot and its sci-fi.......not.

[@Lordfoogthe3st]

Dystopia, every human dead, apocalypse, futuristic robot. Yes, this is the definition of sci fi.

[@ShiftyGeeza]

AI plays God. Nice. Would a super intelligent AI that creates simulated sentient beings and a simulated reality to exist in be its God? Could it create a religion that included a simulated heaven for it's followers within that reality? Would those beings be right in worshipping it? If we were in a simulation then life after death would in fact be entirely possible within it.

[@Vikas.03]

Don't waste your time, not worth it at all

[@theinvisiblesupport7346]

First to say super

[@klyanadkmorr]

A MAGAt Robot

[@mbv1462]

Manually here

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

I don't get it.

[@user-vn4lm2du6o]

Not impressed. It was well made, but the storyline was dull and meaningless.

[@rockybalboa5552]

I respectfully disagree. All things considered its 🤔 quite interesting about what happens next for me..and for you...because something else definitely happens. It's a worthy effort to describe what it could be for all of us in an insanely, absurdly, worldly, existence

[@Darklove720]

I am first viewer by mistake ( manual

[@kurtweiand7086]

Prepare for your finals, read the bible!

[@jameswcollett]

Lazy ending. Meaningless.

[@NBC_NCO]

When you are narrow-minded.

[@NBC_NCO]

@Lordfoogthe3st we are spiritual beings having a human experience. School is not what you have been taught. The physical classroom you are aware of is where you earn a degree in unicornolgy. Pay bills purchase items. Look at what I've done... Rinse and repeat. Your entire human life experience... is the classroom. What will you learn and commit to memory? For not one physical thing, you will have in the end. Wash Rinse and repeat. Unless you become a student. Still above your paygrade. Give it three more times. Deja vu.

[@Lordfoogthe3st]

@@NBC_NCOyes, these are the concepts of pointlessness one may find in the human experience which the film talks about. None of these are brought to light in the ending though. The ending had not addition to the story. It had no explanation or anything. In my opinion it was lazy.

[@Lordfoogthe3st]

@@NBC_NCOI’m also curious, what religion do you follow?

[@NBC_NCO]

@@Lordfoogthe3st None of them fit me.

[@romulusxyz6722]

Stopped watching when “The Manual” was revealed to be the fucking bible. Lame.

[@bjb7587]

Ten minutes. Going nowhere. I'm out.

[@waardlafrance110]

[@theoriginalrecycler]

Excellent

[@nicohaab9967]

agree with you!

[@iridating]

Excellent

[@nicohaab9967]

agree with you!