Sci-Fi Short Film “The Masseuse" | DUST

In a world where cutting edge robots are coveted, a fledgling human technician is torn between pursuing his feelings towards an outdated android and placating his abusive, android-aversive father.
"The Masseuse" by Tan Ce Ding
#DUST #scifi #shortfilm
More About The Masseuse:
At a time where futuristic androids are exploding in popularity, Loong, an abused youth, repairs an old and obsolete android, TX-59. The pair quickly forms an uncanny chemistry―a result of their dejected and undesirable circumstances. As their close bond gradually transcends that of man and machine, Loong is increasingly tormented by his crippled father, a major android detractor. With his two most precious relationships at odds with one another, Loong is forced to make a decision―romance or responsibility?
About DUST:
DUST presents thought-provoking science fiction content, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology. From timeless classics to cutting-edge movies, series, short films, and podcasts, DUST acquires, produces and distributes all content types.
Connect with the filmmakers:
Follow HAWA x The Masseuse on Facebook: / hawashortfilm
Follow Tan Ce Ding on Instagram: / tanceding91
Follow Tan Ce Ding on Vimeo: vimeo.com/tanceding
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.
Sci-Fi Short Film “The Masseuse" | DUST
/ watchdust
Subscribe to the DUST and ALTER newsletter: eepurl.com/dChYXb

[@watchdust]

How about that ending?

[@gregzarkodimos9711]

Bitter old men always have an ax to grind

[@CaseyFinSF]

Hated it

[@jkobain]

The whole sequence I like!

[@57thorns]

Can't say it was a complete out of the blue twist really, it made sense giving what the movie was building towards, the question was more if he was going to go through with it or not. It was clearly not an easy decision despite him probably entering the whole thing convinced he was doing the right thing. I liked it, because it makes sense. I am also curious just how many messages this film can hold: Is it about human trafficking and the sex trade? Is it about how even androids will impose a view of women as subservient and pretty, and that view uphold by using androids? Probably not, but there is an idea for another android movie. It is of course about human closed mindedness, and the way some think that innocent deaths are a price worth paying to further a political agenda.

[@bridgets5tarot503]

It really shows the current state of the dark side of humanity. ^_^Bless us all. We need more love.

[@haruyu2366]

What did i freaking watch??? My hopelessly romantic heart just broke into million pieces for that droid 😭💔

[@SolitaireG]

@Martyr4JesusTheChrist Can you stop shaking your idiotic head? JFC. You have no idea what you're talking about.

[@WhoisTheOtherVindAzz]

​@Martyr4JesusTheChrist I know that you are probably endlessly stubborn in your opinion on this but the word artificial is simply a word used and invented by humans to distinguish man mad objects from natural ones (the word artificial is more general than say droid or robot or ....). Nothing more. This distinction is itself artificial. There is no fundamental law of physics from which you can derive that only biological brains can be intelligent or conscious. Yes, there are people who make such claims but such claims are always based on assumptions - both fundamental ones and arbitrary (artificial) ones that leads to distinctions about what can and can't (should and shouldn't) be considered conscious. The truth is that in nature or reality things are exactly what they are. We humans might call a thing a "simulation" or say that some advanced program of the future "only" "mimics" "emotions" but these words and distinctions are 100% artificial. Morally or because of Leibniz's identity of indiscernibles or simply because we know that there might be multiple ways to implement consciousness (based on the fact that this is true for many other things - i.e. there are goals that can be satisfied by different technologies whose requirements don't even overlap), that there might be many ways to be conscious, or or or ... there are many reasons why, when we get to such a future where we can no longer be sure - no longer discern - that something isn't conscious, it would be better to assume that machines can be conscious. It is true that something that seems intelligent or conscious to some might not be and it is also true that something that doesn't to others might just be.

[@knightawz]

@@WhoisTheOtherVindAzz no its just a programmed machine...nothing more

[@sunilthapa6702]

@@knightawz You talk as if you made the damn droid. And you are a programmed machine of media, consumerism, limited intellect, and religion too. What makes us any different than them?

[@knightawz]

@@sunilthapa6702 simple we have sentience

[@helenoftroy6265]

Makes you question who was the one with programming that it had to follow, trapped, never knowing what its like to feel, dream or be happy: the A.I or Loong?

[@anandsharma7430]

This

[@TheShattenjager]

Yup!

[@DocBree13]

Helen ofTroy that’s fantastic! I didn’t even think of that. You are absolutely right and understood this film on a deeper level than just regarding their emotions.

[@starwarslegends8583]

After witnessing the end, there is no more question as to who was really being programmed.

[@Winterx69]

Dad programed son, son programed droid. Program over dream. Son's dream died with her.

[@mikesrandomchannel]

The programmer was the programmed. A chilling lesson. Superb execution and the droid acting was phenomenal.

[@MarcusBadi]

Dude... you're right!

[@SK-nc6mn]

Excellent analysis. We should learn to control our own selves first before we teach it to others.

[@barrahart]

It takes a particular class of visual storyteller to address the fears of AI, the complexities of love, and the psychology of abuse in 19 captivating minutes of pure cinematic excellence. Much love to the creative team and cast from a fellow sci-fi storyteller.

[@sealchan9997]

My man couldn’t have said it better

[@doug.eismann]

I agree! You said all, dude!

[@Shaylok]

Sacrificed her and himself for a father's respect. He died inside when he killed her. Pure horror.

[@jeanneparisot237]

pure stupidity.

[@jigc23]

No, he sacrificed 31 people

[@jeanneparisot237]

SPOILER ALERT @@jigc23 In reality, 31 human and 1 poor female androide. She was so sad. She have more emotion than him.

[@DocBree13]

yes :’(

[@maelwine1]

@@jeanneparisot237 Exactly. and TRUE. Though , this should've been a 2 hour movie, or a series. it could be done if he had made a backup of her memory long before the explosion, then reinstalled her memory files into an identical android after his dad saw news of the explosion. This should not have ended the way it did. Why give her the ability to dance, have fear, dream, and be happy, only to desert her, while letting her know that he deserted her, then destroying her.

[@BudhagRizzo]

Wow! I did not expect that ending.Very deep! At first it seemed like he saw the droid as trapped and he was setting her free, but actually he was the trapped one unable to free himself.

[@John-fp6cd]

Agreed

[@ultimateanthony1883]

He didn't deserve the droide

[@nyazillagojira7079]

@@ultimateanthony1883 he didn't deserve that father or that prison. As said, "Some thing aren't that simple". Maybe one day he will be free. I thought he might stop his father and run away etc. But this was a bit more "realistic". He had no where to go. With al the control of the state and the tracking. No telling what his fathers "game" was.

[@alison4316]

Perfectly put.

[@nagiasrkzia7109]

Gardner De Aguiar 😳 As well 😍😍

[@AnthonyMiyazaki]

The best films are those that affect your emotions and make you think -- this film does both. The world is not full of happy endings.

[@rainchains]

you said "happy ending". given the context, sorry, had to.

[@guycore5478]

"The explosion was caused by a 5th generation droid." Four days later, Loong and his father are arrested on domestic terrorism charges. Loong's frequent visits to the Pink Dolphin and the absence of the masseuse droid led the cops right to him.

[@pedroarranz313]

The trial went speedy. After viewing subway security cam's footage showing Loong watching the train leaving while handling a remote control device seconds before the explosion, the jury had no doubt.

[@elgrozni4413]

esa seria la conclusión real de ese film. pero todo depende de lo que el gobierno quiera mostrar a la prensa y a la sociedad. muchas veces los estados usan este tipo de incidentes de terrorismo no para descubrir toda la verdad sino simplemente para controlar a las personas.

[@deckard5pegasus673]

The real ending, is the big government control grid went down, and they both became revolutionary heros saving humanity for skynet!

[@keithscommunityanddomestic9513]

i don't think the boss lady was even observant enough to care

[@PossMcLeod]

The alarm goes off... he awakens... it was all a dream.... 😂🤣😂

[@kilangskripmovies2740]

I am so proud because i was involved in making some of the vfx in this short film!

[@edwardlim1491]

hello miau

[@kilangskripmovies2740]

@@edwardlim1491 lol heyyy, u here too.

[@edwardlim1491]

@@kilangskripmovies2740 yes its been rather joyful reading through these comments

[@watchdust]

Nicely done - fans are loving this, great work

[@aynk85]

Are all the crew making this from malaysia? If so man I'm so proud of u guys, make more

[@janetdeloach4712]

Twisted he chose hatred over love. He will turn into an angry abusive man just like his father. Sad.

[@jrcicirello]

History is destined to repeat itself even in our offspring. As you stated, SAD for the truth of this reality.

[@jrcicirello]

@@Clarkkent163 I should have made myself clearer. We are raised by people that act a certain way. This guy's dad was an angry person and shamed his son in doing what he wanted to get revenge. I made a comment to Janet's posted thought of how he, the son, would turnout like his dad. My point was, unless we break the chain and refused to act like our parents who behaved badly, like screaming at you everytime you did something wrong or became physical when they got angry, then you will most likely do the same to your own kids. Some people do this and don't even realize they are doing it. IT was natural. I know this from first hand experience. I was the one that broke the chain and did not allow history to repeat itself. Maybe the Matrix programmers did that on purpose to cause me to feel like I was different. ;-)

[@jrcicirello]

@@Clarkkent163 but did you really create this simulation or did the Key Maker change the room/reality that we are in, uhmmm? So, the Red one or Blue one. Not everyone wants to know the truth for the truth is not for everyone.

[@TheRealJuseBeats]

@@YelDohan There is no AI really. They wouldn't think for themselves. It would just appear to think. But its just programmed responses.

[@MezziK]

People you are forgeting the premonition. Remember he described freedom as a dream.... it was always going to play out this way.

[@CP-28]

I honestly did not expect that: 1. He would leave her 2. He would destroy her How sad. Movie story and direction was good. Original.

[@sunny-vx1pe]

Honesty becomes a tale in modern world

[@dncviorel]

1. it 2. it

[@marcoscabezolajr.8408]

​@@dncviorelno and no

[@Sammyli99]

stopped watching, thanks to your comment, come back on Monday. It's Sunday, need a happy ending, sad endings can wait a day.

[@denix4664]

Well , that droid had more feelings like human than his father

[@radikadilanka4715]

yeah, I also felt that.

[@the_rush_to_nothing]

Ex-Machina, to imitate human emotions to get a desired outcome, even if it means the human has nothing to gain.

[@aether6098]

@@the_rush_to_nothing i still don't get it

[@smguy7]

"The different between robots and humans is that robots are essentially decent." - Dr. Susan Calvin - in "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov.

[@josephsmith7148]

I need to read I, Robot again. It's been too long since I have.

[@damnyourpasswords]

LOVE ASIMOV

[@ahrikiksu4761]

:)) When we are advanced enough,we will let the AI knows how we WORK then they will be like us cuz we are made of atoms,so will they and until we can know the direction of the wind...The AI will be completely like us(the emotions and actions)

[@simonjesuit3844]

She looked human so she was NOT a 'robot' (C-3P0 and R2D2 are robots) In this story the female worker was an android.

[@smguy7]

@@simonjesuit3844 What about Daneel in the Asimov books?

[@momkatmax]

He became the "Good Son" of tradition, obeyed his father and destroyed his life with one click.

[@JoTheVeteran]

This is what differentiates X-Machina, to this movie. In X-Machina, the man is presented as a unbiased, Touring test specialist. When in reality he is a lustful fool. In this movie, the man, is human. All his instincts tell him this thing is wrong, he just denies them out of a need for comradery. Then she makes a mistake, his logical part of the brain catches that, the illusion is gone, it's all over for her. This movie is not about robot rights, it is more about human psychology. The droids are an easy fix, taking the form of companions. But something is wrong, they are not the real thing. He realizes that eventually, so his objective set by his father was a logical conclusion at that point. He could have done nothing, but that's what he chose. Free will, is after all, still our right. Btw, tradition worked for the last 50.000 years of human history. Sure it's fun to bend tradition at times, but it's utterly self destructive to deny, and antagonize it. This is not something you can beat, it will crush you, every time! You can add to tradition though, make it better, more par to the times. But it's just bad if you try to break away from it. Breaking tradition is what caused the biggest crimes of the Twentieth century, starting with the death of God.

[@JamesSleeman]

@Michael Wolff "How did he destroy his own life?" He became a terrorist responsible for "at least 31 deaths and 47 injuries". He appeared up to this point to be a rational compassionate empathetic individual, if such an individual commits mass murder , let alone do so at the behest of somebody else out of duty or whatever, most I think would agree that it would be rather destructive to their life, be that physically or mentally.

[@JoTheVeteran]

Michael Wolff that's what the communists, and the Nazis thought. So they justified killing naked pregnant women in the name of this new philosophy. God doesn't necessary have to be real, but the fear of God must be, the commandment, has to be. That's what Nietzsche warned humanity about when he announced the death of God. It wasn't a celebration, it was a warning. And of course people didn't hear, or understood the meaning. They interpreted it somewhat how you do, today, even though the fact you're alive, talking to me, has its roots in the old philosophy, and not the "mirror God". And so the twentieth century happened next. Bringing the most death by human hand, than all the history combined. Hundreds of millions died because tradition was abandoned for newer, and better ideas. What they found though, made them far more horrible monsters than the patriarchy, or the tyrant. What they found was a superman, capable of performing incredible feats, but also capable of extreme, and unending malice, and horror.

[@hotdognl70]

@Michael Wolff Unfortunatly he responded in the same way as a lot of modern unstable pesons that seek connection with terrorists groups if they feel "everyone" is mistreating them. Or any nobody that decide to create his own 15 minutes of fame, while there is realy nothing famous about his person.

[@TRUTHISABSOLUTE777]

@Michael Wolff you can speak for your own gods. But you don't even know mine.

[@scottcarr3264]

What an Unsettling ending, he actually became worse than his father. Very dark!

[@Zanaki113]

Easily my favorite movie of the decade, a movie doesn't need to be 2 hours long to be great, and this really proves that even a 20 minute short can be just as good, if not better than so many AAA movies we see today. Thanks for this, it was truly amazing!

[@slimyelow]

Yeah, beats sitting through Blade Runners for sure.

[@Zanaki113]

@@slimyelow did you like the first one but not the second one? Or didn't like either? Just curious.

[@slimyelow]

@@Zanaki113 I liked the 2nd one better. But I very much appreciate shorts like this too. I can cram way more stories into 2.5 hours of watching time. cheerio. SY

[@ChetanSaini-rh9wf]

Can u recommend some like these??

[@briansmith5391]

I feel weird saying it, but I felt sorry for the droid; just like in Bladerunner, the replicants become more human while the humans become more soulless.

[@mvuto137]

Funny thing is, we will have to create naive, trusting beings. Because if we truly created mirror images of ourselves, they would extinguish us just as we would them. To replicate humans, its best we not make them too human. As we truly can't be trusted.

[@markfoster1520]

@@mvuto137 Zeez!.....Just don't let any ever become president, please.

[@jonathanbaker4361]

Yeah that's the point of this story telling, manipulation. Tell me how an android experiences emotions.

[@jonathanbaker4361]

@Diário de uma Fugitiva nope not everything about me is in my DNA. I have a soul that controls this amazingly designed contraption. Of a body. I admit it has desires and urges and it enslaves people to them. But the mechanics of our bodies don't make up our sum total.

[@FractalPrism.]

"thats not what a winner would say" "see this trophy? it means i won something, anything i say is what a winner would say"

[@niceguy2171]

What a sad tale this ended up being, and had wished he would break away from his fathers influence and tyranny..instead of destroying the only true friend he had, along with hurting others, which is never the answer. A dark tale indeed, but well acted.

[@The_Beast_666]

niceguy217 agreed

[@tastesasgoodasitsounds1484]

A new take on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

[@showme360]

The only true friend?

[@tedferkin]

Possibly a reflection on too much respect for authority. To do what ever it takes to comply no matter your personal trepidations. This might be a veiled political piece about life under the CCP.

[@xcoder1122]

@@showme360 Friendship, just like love, does not require the other one to feel the same for you or, as in this case, feel at all. Is your feeling of love any less real just because the other person doesn't love you as well? I don't think so. And she was real, not a human being, but real and not just a number of an online platform.

[@sphinxrising1129]

He gave her hope, love, freedom, then took it all away :(

[@tula__]

He was just jealous, hateful prick.

[@Pikachu-vo7qb]

His father instructed him to do so.

[@SuperBhavanishankar]

@@tula__ damn u fine ❤️

[@laughtoohard9655]

I couldn't have done it. He gave her the ability to dance and feel. How can anyone take that away? This was really, really well done!

[@StanleyKowalski.]

only human was the droid

[@MultiverseCODM]

Is your name really Stanley Kowalski?

[@bearme47]

Humanity is flawed to compare innocents and perfection to human is wrong and ugly.

[@NatsuShoujoID]

Lazy human hopes for job, but droids do better, so let's kill the robots lol

[@aw-zz5yo]

Wrong.The humans did the human thing.

[@vladdracul5072]

@@aw-zz5yo You mean being cruel, stupid and irrational? I agree.

[@lego4virgo]

In the end, Loong lost. He lost the love of his life. And he lost all respect for his father.

[@garicrewsen1128]

And himself.

[@lego4virgo]

@@garicrewsen1128 After I posted this, went to the cafe on campus, was coming back, and this very same revelation hit me as well. You are sooo right.

[@hotdognl70]

I feel it's more he found his love betraying him. Respect for his father was lost already long before the start of this story.

[@teothiemian8340]

bigvirgotube o

[@lego4virgo]

@@hotdognl70 How did she betray him?

[@hardrockuniversity7283]

It is good to see a film that uses the tech to tell a story rather than trying to build a story to show off one's CGI skills. I prefer happy stories, but this was a strong story well told. Congratulations.

[@bozilla9975]

Nice story telling, great acting and cinematography! 11:37 that little betray was what tipped him over. In the end, it's not the AI, but humans with our fragile ego that is destined to bring destruction to ourselves.

[@niteshm6]

That tipped him over, but that was not betray.

[@gaminggumba8191]

My god, that’s incredible. This one hit me in the feels, it’s one of the best.

[@marshalllhiepler]

Oh no! Not in the "feels". Think of the children you might have had.

[@gaminggumba8191]

I know marshalllhiepler! This video is a god DAMN CHILD MURDERER I’m totally suing

[@marshalllhiepler]

@@gaminggumba8191, Absolutely. I encourage you to sue for whatever you can get. Sue for the pain, the suffering ... and for the merciless chopping down of your unsprouted family tree. I'm totally "rooting" for ya.

[@lillyanneserrelio2187]

@@marshalllhiepler I noticed that any many other comments expressing disappointment (with the ending) are mostly USA based viewers who are used to the happy endings that Hollywood follows like gospel. Many many foreign (not made in/for USA) Films have very bleak and dystopian endings. These films arent watched to feel good but to make the viewers think and question whatever message the writer/ director is trying to say. Especially French and spanish movies - I've noticed tend to be very [emotion] heavy and tend to end on discordant note. Examples: "Women on the border" & "Like water for chocolate" [both in Spanish with English subtitles.

[@marshalllhiepler]

Lilly Anne Serrelio, I see. Perhaps we are missing out on some of the more meaningful things that the film industry has to offer. But, I should caution you against taking any comments I post, too seriously. I love people, and I enjoy making others laugh when the opportunity presents itself.

[@preacherjohn]

"I'm not real, but I can be your friend" .. damn, right in the feels.. :'(

[@dipalighante1424]

Uk Lh

[@Jamespennington71]

Great film! Was anyone else hoping for a final scene of a burnt, heavily damaged “Masseuse" suddenly coming through the doorway and crumpling up the dad paper cup?

[@mohris9004]

Yes, me 😂

[@jrdeckard3317]

"They cannot appreciate beauty. They cannot create art. If they ever learn these things, they won't have to destroy us. They'll be us." Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Dance of Cameron

[@fuzzblightyear145]

Spooner - "Can a robot write a symphony? Can a robot turn a… canvas into a beautiful masterpiece?" The robot "Can you?"

[@tula__]

They can't destroy us but definitely they'll make humans utter jobless. Even painters and pioneers of art would be out of work.

[@kidaria1333]

@@tula__ True that is one point, however from a philosophical and spiritual perspective it is very interesting. Humans came so far in science to a point they should never should have reached to change and manipulate life like never before.

[@intuitivetasha113]

@@tula__ making us jobless is destroying us!!

[@mrsprite399]

@@kidaria1333 Change is not a choice rather its a necessity or a universal law is a way better term.

[@garicrewsen1128]

Had me thinking I knew the outcome twice. Nope. Did NOT see that coming. Bravo!

[@watchdust]

The ending caught us too

[@rageagainstmyhairline5574]

I mean, I knew as soon as he put his hand in his pocket, so like 5 seconds before lol. But, man, what a gut-punch.

[@tena2sweet]

I thought he was just freeing her. Until the explosion.

[@quemeese]

there is no bravo here.

[@garicrewsen1128]

@@quemeese there IS because it was well written enough to get you to feel that way.

[@AdrianBroadnax]

The technician is just as much of a droid as the masseuse. But he is so by choice, not by default.

[@ChildOL]

Doing something under extreme pressure imho is barely considered “choice” because if it wasn’t for his dad he wouldn’t have “chose” to do that.

[@tastesasgoodasitsounds1484]

Yes!

[@deskryptic]

dope analysis

[@lizafrench8455]

loong was programmed by his dad just as loong programmed the droid

[@AdrianBroadnax]

@@lizafrench8455 Yes, but humans have a choice...Android's do not.

[@davidcox1508]

My first time seeing this one - I'm a recent "Dust" subscriber. That was BRILLIANT!!! In 20 minutes, this team gave us all the emotion, motivation, and narrative that a LOT of modern 90-minute studio movies aren't capable of releasing as eloquently. SUPERBLY DONE!

[@loyaaheibam6277]

Please make another version in which they both goes somewhere and starts a new life That ending broke my heart 😥😥😭

[@staryoke]

!? The son doesnt deserve that android.

[@Ukaran]

It's impossible to literally break a heart.

[@jessiejanson1528]

i hate endings like these. i wish such shorts and movies in general would just write and film two endings and let people watch the one they want. guarantee 90% of people would prefer the happy ending.

[@slimyelow]

a version where she stabs him in the chest

[@cvdinjapan7935]

What a great story of a man rejecting the world around him. The main character may have initially thought that the robot had a special relationship with him, but after he saw that it was with other guys, we see that he had a breakdown at 11:48 (because he realized that the time it had spent with him was just a part of its programming). It treated every man the same way it treated him. So he reprogrammed it to perform new actions, dancing and (more importantly) disobeying its original purpose and owner... He performed the update in order to be able to take it out and destroy it, cracking down on all of the robots. Some people might say that this is the story about a robot having more feelings than a human, but I disagree with that. The man in this story is steeped in ressentiment, a sense of hostility to what he perceived as the cause of his frustrations. He doesn't care about the people he killed, and his father's joy at helping crack down on the robots does nothing for him. He did it because of his own feelings of disappointment. He has grown to hate both humanity and the fraudulent emotions of a robot that is only doing as its program dictates. This is not a story about the robot masseuse. It is very clearly the story of a disappointed man rejecting a system, both human and technological, that has failed him. It was a wonderful subversion of the usual "robots have feelings too" plotline. Well done.

[@edwardlim1491]

spot on!

[@MarcelinoDeseo]

Very interesting analysis.

[@samshM]

Exactly! Thankyou. Except for the part i didnt think he reprogrammed it because she was already asking conscious questions before he fixed her for the second time, but the purpose of him killing her is absolutely right. I think most of the viewers missed the part where the droid is speaking exactly the way to another customer which he overhears. That's what caused him to change.

[@simplythebest2k]

It was kind of both...People tell people what they want to hear all the time specially when being part of service jobs. The robot in the end chose to go with him. Even if it had been manufactured as part of his programing, the robot felt a sense of lose when the robot was left. So in a way he lets the robot down as much as humanity has let him down as becomes part of the system that has let him down.

[@imbaby5499]

Reminds me of Bladerunner 2049.

[@Mekratrig]

KZbin oughtta have something beyond the Like button. This is one of the best shorts I’ve come across.

[@watchdust]

That is awesome to hear - glad you enjoyed

[@jkobain]

What kind of button? Like in the ending? ;D

[@helloolleh3668]

They should add a golden heart that you can give only to the best videos. You'll have three of them that only replenish at the end of each month.

[@crustaceousgastropod2820]

They use to have a favorite feature but it has been gone since like 2010

[@SpontaneouCombustion]

Mekratrig You mean a subscribe button?

[@XZITT]

This must be what dreaming is Like. Then the dream turned into a nightmare, Humanity.

[@garymussell6543]

These DUST short films so remind me of the old Twilight Zone television series. Always thoughtful, and always with a surprise ending you never saw coming. Amazing quality work!

[@kirkweaver9876]

More like the Outer Limits television series

[@wanderingsoul1500]

the actress is so good

[@206frosty2]

Malaysian Actress Candy Ice on FB Candyicebing

[@kpeteho6ot]

I took issue with how she portrayed a supposedly emotionless droid. She was actually radiating emotion most of the time. That doesn't mean its the actress' fault though. I t may just be the director's vision.

[@theR0NIN]

@@kpeteho6ot The "technician" installed updates that gave her emotions, or the ability to emulate them.

[@damirserban]

@@kpeteho6ot over emotional because of the "job" she is doing, cant decide if it is only massage or all the rest ... I think director had a vision to show emotions more on droid intentionally

[@Justbrowsing4lunch]

Wandering Soul makes you wonder how cute are her toes.

[@arcanumkonrad8200]

I've finished watching Love, Death + Robots and I need more sci-fi short films like that. Lucky me I found this channel.

[@liizzset]

Love, Death and Robots is definitely a good series.

[@MashiroShiina]

hope DUST will have a Netflix Series

[@onlythistube]

I literally found this channel today and only watched 2 short films so far and they have been fantastic & sublime. It's unbelievable how much story has been masterfully told in each one, accompanied by outstanding acting, production design, effects and camera work. How could I have missed this channel for so long? Truly remarkable work, thank you!

[@alphazygma]

Man! That was one short of a movie. Personally I didn’t like the ending, but at the same time, it’s what makes the short great. Not everything in life is always happy. I just would’ve prefer that he just let her go as a way for the droid to learn the different aspects of human emotions and evolve rather than killing her. Anyway, good job.

[@aalemeenhasam4383]

I am sorry for the droid. 😟

[@johnapocalipto6000]

Aalemeen Hasam I am sorry for Aisha....

[@aalemeenhasam4383]

@@johnapocalipto6000 Sweetie I am sorry for your afterlife. Pathetic isn't?

[@gadisGrim]

@@johnapocalipto6000 what is the problem with her?

[@johnapocalipto6000]

@@gadisGrim No problem. I wonder what was Muhammmads problem with little Aisha....

[@TheTech660]

Sad... This was a Good Story... but Still Sad at the end.

[@bbody7906]

Today's my off day. I've been watching DUST all day, lol. Some of the most amazing shorts, that should be full feature films for sure!

[@watchdust]

Sounds like a great way to spend a day off, glad you enjoyed Brian

[@slimyelow]

I was really moved by the scene where she makes her first dance moves.

[@melizmatea]

This was wonderful. I can't believe how great some of the short films on here are. This one was more interesting and moving than 90% of the movies I've seen over the last 20 years! So beautifully shot too, and the music was great - it was so atmospheric, it really pulled me in. Her anguish at the end was heartbreaking.

[@chasingparkedcars8483]

This just goes to show, that in the future, we still struggle with Androids lithium ion battery packs

[@mysmirandam.6618]

This comment needs more attention

[@mysmirandam.6618]

@Martyr4JesusTheChrist its absolutely hilarious!

[@mysmirandam.6618]

@Martyr4JesusTheChrist dont know what you are asking but ok

[@shogo359]

@@mysmirandam.6618 the comment is referring to weaponizing the droid itself. You basically turn the battery into a bomb, but we may not even run them on lithium when we do. Im guessing something nuclear or fission or bio based will be powering them.

[@DocBree13]

Chasing Parked Cars lol - thanks, I needed a little humor after watching that.

[@yhong9733]

This film leads you through a beautiful rose garden, next to a sandy beach, then throat punch you. Please sir can I have some more.

[@vaibhaveejadhav8347]

Why did his father asked him to kill her?

[@Tuck-Shop]

@@vaibhaveejadhav8347 To sow distrust for droids as the father resented that they were replacing humans.

[@chrisredfield4537]

And then kick u right in the balls...

[@alishapiekarski5339]

Lol I like this comment 😆👍

[@ritakapia7140]

Yh Ong lol

[@angelroads574]

This was the first short film on this channel that I stayed committed to not reading the comments until after it was over. Boy did it pay off. This channel is awesome.

[@edwardpacheco207]

My heart sank in in my chest when he walked away from her.

[@hannakemaw8299]

When she said this must be how dreaming feels and he did her so wrong right after, it really broke my heart. I cried so hard because I just went through a similar situation, and honestly I don’t think I can ever trust anyone anymore

[@unloquito]

You and me both, it hard to trust anyone any more. Goodness, principles, learning right from wrong doing, is slowing being remove from people. Keep a smile and enjoy that you are who you are=)

[@soniyadutta7283]

We all got trapped... Cause we want to feel dreams in these dark world.... But we can never have dream while we are awake!

[@princevalantino41162]

The female actor in this is absolutely gorgeous

[@206frosty2]

Malaysian Candy Ice

[@206frosty2]

Candyicebing on FB

[@SolitaireG]

@@206frosty2 because it's totally not in the credits ... JFC

[@maelwine1]

VERY Beautiful.

[@tomasotreasaigh111]

@@maelwine1 She has had a shit load of plastic surgery though. Her nose job and chin implant are really obvious. I dont mind plastic surgery but it shouldnt be so obvious I think.

[@michaelmcnair7624]

DAMN....that was a twist that broke my neck, even though when dad said, "you know what you have to do" I brushed that away. I thought he would choose HER. I would take a beautiful droid over an asshole father ANY day! All this time he KNEW what he was going to do, but he spent time with her...WHY? To say goodbye?! He was feeling her. On top of that, he killed all those people to make a point?!! He is worse than his father...ironic that he had a chance for REAL happiness...not a real person sure...but he was a TECH! He could tweak her anyway he wanted! Asshole.

[@WDMurphy]

A prequel to this about the old man could be quite interesting, especially if it delved into his story about his injury and his "morality" in trying to save (lower-class) humans from being replaced. Human labor would be replaced at the drop of the hat by the wealthy if they could have an obedient programable "workforce". If AI was allowed "freedom" normal humans would be looked upon as nothing more than flawed animals. This channel puts out some amazing art.

[@markkens9]

This is a very compact masterpiece. Candy Ice really sells the android...perfect face, makeup, and muscle control. DUST, you really scored high with this one!

[@jabez571]

This was complete garbage. The works a warped demented sick mind.

[@srishtichaubey2691]

This must be what dreaming feels like .. She trusted him and he betrayed her, Bad manners

[@MannVerde]

I was expecting to see the girl robot to feel how dreams feel by feeling herself free but she was freed from her mechanical life and freed many humans from there life . Very bad Ending.

[@blindspotwright3996]

Your cute

[@dashingmay]

Bad manners??

[@arteblack13]

I thought she was going to do a Dues Ex Machina on him.

[@rajababy2009]

you woke up from dreams and they ends

[@robevans8110]

A particularly good piece of sci-fi and extremely well produced, from the cast, camera, lighting, great use of sets and of course a good story. Impressed, want to see more.

[@beagracetibalbag2126]

I'm having goosebumps for 2 mins. After watching this. Thank you DUST. I hope this channel grow more it is so underrated.

[@michael-il2by]

That was as good as it gets. And the actress was both talented and beautiful. I’d say the guy was good too, but I don’t like him much at the moment.

[@pkjones5263]

Then that's the sign he was a good actor, if he got you to feel something.

[@michael-il2by]

Pk Jones - oh absolutely. I was just making a joke about not liking him (because of what he did to her in the film). Thanks for the comment though... think I’ll watch it again :).

[@kellyjackson6548]

This is so sad! The droid really wanted to experience life and thought that she had a friend.

[@redneckextraordinaire3073]

Damn! "Dust does it again!" Seriously, the quality of the acting is blowing away the Hollywood pampered elites. The storyline and ending, superb twistmanship. Again, well done.

[@sumuqh]

Never fall in love with a droid bois. They act nicer than real people.

[@Ulquitous]

" Everyone creates what they hate most. Men of peace create engines of war, invaders create avengers. People create "little people" ? Children! Children! Ah I lost the word there " - Ultron

[@amnonmeyers6946]

Ulqcifer. That's a one-sided and negative view of humanity. One can show the opposite, for example medicines and machines that heal people, etc. In general, people pursue what they love or what "moves" them. And I believe people want to create what they believe is positive, but inventions such as AI can be used for good and evil. And if/when the "singularity" is reached, we don't know what machines will decide to do with humankind.

[@gecko2.617]

@@amnonmeyers6946 You do realize, that Ulqcifer quoted The Avengers Age of Ultron, and that it is not a pessimistic view on mankind but a machine that was created to protect the world but misunderstood its real cause... Yet we all don't know what we create and what we truly are, but we hope we do it for the better, thus creating medicine, machines of war, bombs and health treatments and we create them within the same moment... Mankind is truly scary but we try to do it for the better!

[@frlfrl2098]

Amnon Meyers You do realize that-

[@mvuto137]

@@frlfrl2098 LOL... You do realize that I was thinking the same thing by the time I read your comment.

[@JabberCT]

That was sad, dark, and horrific. It was also very good.

[@Me-wk3ix]

Man, I feel kind of spoiled for entertainment that I can binge all these awesome short films without having to sign up for some subscription service. They kind of remind me of Black Mirror, which I love! Thank you DUST!

[@mariow7818]

Damn.. that hit close to the heart. Sacrifice a love so unique that it blossomed inside lifeless robot just to spread hate for those that did nothing wrong.

[@mensetens6391]

My heavens, how unexpected. How gripping. This has to be one of your absolute best gifts. Thank you.

[@kevinmelaugh3748]

Humans always find a new hate, very good telling

[@michaelwertzy9808]

Old hate never ends either, agree?

[@tr3asurem3]

@@michaelwertzy9808 Either? He said people always find a new hate. He never was specific in saying whether old hate remains or not. And he doesn't have to agree with your perception. All of ours is different in away. No need to be justified by other imperfected humans. No agree needed.

[@kevinmelaugh3748]

@@michaelwertzy9808 disagree all humans can overcome hatred because it is something that we are taught out of fear for something different

[@connordevine9872]

@@kevinmelaugh3748 it can learned by experience and through exposure.

[@kevinmelaugh3748]

@@rovhalt6650 explain how please

[@florencepierce1864]

I saw this short film when it first appeared on the Dust channel. Powerful, thought-provoking & had so much to say, with its minimal-but-deep and cutting dialogue, together with the non-verbal imagery of the abusive father attacking his son & her acting at the end. The thing that is even more distressing is, with the best Sci-Fi, particularly with the best Short Sci-Fi films, is you can actually See this sort thing happening in the future - & that very future is happening now, we are laying the ground for this sort of technology, together with (potentially), that sort of fear, loathing, hatred, bigotry, conflict, abuse & attacks.

[@stevie-ray2020]

There were a few things in the home that demonstrated the father's loathing of change, especially in technology or objects that make life easier or more comfortable. Notice that there's no remote for the TV, the sewing-machine is an old treadle-design, & there's a hard wooden-bench instead of a comfy sofa!

[@GnaReffotsirk]

Damn it. I couldn't afford heartbreak right now. I thought this was a feel good thing. I was hoping for a happy ending from The Masseuse.

[@DocBree13]

GnaReffotsirk me too! I mean I expected a very sad ending, but hoped I was wrong. I was wrong - it wasn’t just sad, it was heartbreaking

[@slimyelow]

Hmmm. didn't we all......

[@slobama]

I wish that they would list a cast of characters to give them credit. This was a good short story.

[@966Mako]

Michael M, did you not watch till the end? There were credits as usual.

[@henryrollins9177]

Actually you are looking after the girl's name...

[@PalmettoNDN]

Considering the title I was expecting a happy ending. All puns intended. What a great film!

[@chuckthebull]

When the droids have more humanity then the humans.. just like in real life.

[@PastorTonyManuel]

I wouldn't say the ending was unexpected...but the score on this film built SOOOOO much tension and anticipation I was on the edge of my seat. I was surprised that the music settled down before the big moment at the end. I expected it to happen at the height of the score.

[@tirsden]

It definitely worked, though. It's like playing a survival horror game with spooky music and creepy ambiance as one would expect... and then you walk into a room that's dead silent. "NOPE!"

[@storiesbyvivek]

When he entered one last time Droid said to another customer that "Will he think of her?" This is where his dreams shattered! She broke his heart.

[@LamNguyen-xh3rb]

Well that was her job, she's programmed to do it. He can't hold that against her.

[@beagracetibalbag2126]

Oh i thought it was a voiceover in his head.

[@deskryptic]

you're right. he would have abandoned his mission if he didn't see the other john there

[@ucedits4758]

I think it broke him because she didn't gave just a massage to that customer, it seemed a happy ending, or maybe he just assumed

[@vincentlenart1697]

OOhh I didn't catch that at first. It makes it a little clearer why he did it then. He was already conflicted... That tipped the scale for him. I still hate him for it though. Heartbreaking. Well done film!

[@colonelhermesl.1710]

Sadly beautiful. Eerily brilliant. Enchanting and captivating, I loved it! The droid girl was the cutest thing ever, and all the cast did a great job. The movie was very expressive and heartfelt, his expression in the ending was so heartbreaking. I understand his moral conflict 😥 but still, how could he do this to make temporarily happy his abusive parent? She was extraordinary.

[@johnzacharakis1404]

This is a DUST classic and a really good short movie, DUST or otherwise. One of my top 5 favorite sci-fi shorts

[@Johnny-cv8oe]

“I have a surprise for you, it’s gonna blow your mind.”

[@DocBree13]

Johnny 😂

[@maelwine1]

Never say that to an android.

[@teacherglad7277]

She looks like Arci Muñoz, one of our best actresses here in the Philippines. Didn't expect that the ending would be this heartbreaking. Great film though! 💔

[@beagracetibalbag2126]

Now that you mentioned. I realized it hahahaha

[@b-reyescarlstephenreyes7049]

It's just sad that the droid was having the time of her life and getting blown up just for a man (who died inside) that was trying to respect his father

[@gerhard4008]

He died a long time ago.

[@lexiemaep7930]

This is by far one of my favorite DUST videos. Does anyone have links to others that are this good?

[@uthafattah]

droids can't feel emotion indeed :) but i kinda hate about what the guy did to her though :")

[@GraysonJStedmanjr]

Seems like she felt it. Her expression was heart retching

[@jkobain]

There's no clear definition of one's feelings that could separate human feelings from non-human feelings.

[@57thorns]

@@jkobain The only way to understand what others feel is using our mirror neurons, to put ourself in someone else situation mentally. It is extremely hard to distinguish real feelings from the show put up ny a psychopath, the only way is to see how their future actions are affected.

[@jkobain]

@@57thorns yes, but you're talking about emotions, expressions, not feelings, as far as I know. The only way to find out so far is MRI for wetware and traffic/state dumps for neural hardware.

[@jkobain]

@@PhDyMy futile. One day you all die.

[@iRalphPlayZ]

I couldn't believe of what happened in the end, I thought he'd run away from home with the droid.

[@jkobain]

It could become another poor man's happy ending, but it's not. I love it.

[@theodethomasa6358]

" run away from home with the droid." And go where?

[@jkobain]

@@theodethomasa6358 2hell

[@theodethomasa6358]

@@jkobain Seems like living with his father, he was already in hell.

[@NorthernKitty]

This is a rather timely message of where placating an abusive authority figure leads and at what cost to your soul and happiness (not to mention the harm done to others).

[@petera1000]

That was deeply disturbing… congratulations to the makers of this film for evoking such a strong emotion. It reminded me a bit of “better than us”.. but dark and compact.

[@vincentbehr]

I’m very impressed with the cinematography, from the lite neon glow, smoke & vintage atmosphere. The mood was breathtaking. Heavily influenced by Blade Runner & yet feels Malaysian. Beautiful scene of old housing with staircase and alleyways. I love the scene when they were having a meal & exploring the city. The story is sad but it’s real, especially with the fact that he had 2k friends but no real ones. At the end of the story he was more of a robot then she was. I hope you make more beautiful futuristic films like this. It’s very beautiful to see Malaysia with a blade runner mood 👍

[@adriantee5219]

This is Malaysia!? I didn't even notice!

[@JasmineGeminiDragon]

The effects though... that explosion seemed rush and disappointing. I wanted to be sad, but that took me out of the story. Maybe it is because I am learning about using After Effects and Maya and it is hard to work with, but even that was like a fly in an other wise well made soup... like... if you are going to make a character death, it needs to have the best effort made with a bit more reverence... not something that makes me think that she died from a stock photo.

[@just_me2797]

Thanks again DUST for another great film. I will certainly be looking into those involved in it's creation process.

[@loyaaheibam6277]

Man that's some shit I'll never do that to someone even for my father if he or she or even a robot trusts and loves me like that.

[@booga2059]

Fantastic film. Really enjoyed the directing, music, story and acting. Why have I only just discovered DUST. Love these shorts.

[@fin1529]

Droids :pure emotion,act straightforward,full of the ideal outlines of human Human:tf did I do???

[@HaunaniPao]

Brilliant storytelling with nuanced meaning of love, hate, loneliness and connection. I would love to see more from these makers. cheers.

[@roymarsh8077]

I now feel I need to revisit Chinese film. The acting, the script, the camera work, the soundtrack. This is five star. It has everything a film needs, packed into 20 minutes.

[@rtvan8924]

Chinese Malaysian in this case, shot in Kuala Lumpur.

[@ruisantos502]

Bravo!!! Five stars!!! Congratulations to everyone involved in this movie, this was amazing!!!?

[@hedleypanama]

#Objection He spoke her about dreams, but he forgot the annoying nightmares

[@VicVlasenko]

Yep, sometimes it is better not to dream at all.

[@samsmusichub]

He killed innocent people just to deactivate one android. That did not turn out how I thought. So much sympathy going out to her right now.

[@FavaFilms]

I had the impression at the end the the droid became self-aware with real emotions as depicted in her ( it's ) facial expressions . He murdered a living machine along with all the people in that subway car . Very sad ..

[@FIONA21ful]

Succinct and beautifully filmed commentary on today's hate filled societies. He lost everything worth living for in the end , no respect or love of beauty in his life...he upheld parental Loyalty in the end , which is admirable, but not always the correct choice. I felt torn for him with such a terrible decision to make.

[@fredneecher1746]

You missed the point. He loved beauty but he knew that he had to do what was right. But yes, he lost everything in the process.

[@marshalllhiepler]

Silly of you to think that. Robots are BAD. A.I. will eventually destroy us all. His father was right all along. Robotic prostitutes are the worst ... except for polititions, of course.

[@FIONA21ful]

@@fredneecher1746 I missed nothing sir, with respect. You just said what I did in a different way. Perhaps our opinions differ , that doesn't make mine a mistaken one,.and you literally summarised what I had said while telling me I missed the point. 😂😂

[@FIONA21ful]

@@marshalllhiepler This is fiction lad, calm down.

[@paulryan2128]

@@marshalllhiepler do you mean robotic politicians or real politicians? I'm just asking for a friend.

[@scretchy00]

This one is brilliant masterpiece. It totally blows my mind. I think this is one of the best movies I watched at this channel.

[@kafkastrial8650]

I wonder if in the future advanced Droids may be able to bring back into the world some of the more human traits that we have lost, in getting to that point in time ?

[@vincentcausey8498]

I found this very moving. Although technically SciFi, this is really an age old tale of betrayal. Betrayal of the trust shown by a vulnerable person (entity?) to their "benefactor". And for what purpose? It seems to speak of the inhumanity that dwells in the souls of some obsessive bigots. Can duty to a loved parent alone, drive a balanced individual to carry out an act of terror?

[@staryoke]

!? The son clearly wasnt "balanced" to begin with, so that question is moot.

[@kidaria1333]

Brutal and egoistic feelings and agctions are part of humanity. And he was exrtemly abused and yes this can lead to such a behavior. Our minds and souls are fraigle.