WHEN UNFETTERED | Omeleto

An A.I. caregiver is relieved of her duties.
WHEN UNFETTERED is used with permission from Derek Franzese. Learn more at seasonfivefilm....
Ash is an A.I. humanoid robot that cares for an elderly man. When he passes away peacefully, his family relieves Ash of her hospice and care duties.
Left to her own devices, Ash wanders outside for a walk, roaming until she stops at a park. When she meets a boy with special needs and his mother, they spend time together, giving Ash another window into what it means to be human, celebrate their differences and embrace what makes them different.
Directed and written by Derek Franzese, this thoughtful and warmhearted sci-fi short is an introspective, searching snapshot in an A.I. robot's evolution, as she discovers other dimensions of what it means to be human beyond her set directive. Ash has been caring for an elderly man, but when he dies, she sets off on a small but consequential journey that forms a microcosm of human emotions and attitudes, particularly towards difference. In discovering the varied stripes and sensibilities of human beings, Ash finds herself on this continuum as well, posing larger questions of what it means to be alive and exist as a being in this world.
Rather than taking a dystopian angle to its subject matter and central character, the film takes a gentler, more openly thoughtful approach in its portrayal of Ash, reflected in the gleaming brightness of the lights and colors of its cinematography. Ash herself is portrayed with a subdued reserve, with actor Ashley Whelan carefully shading Ash's thoughtfulness with both a certain programmed quality and a keen sense of observation. Though her manner is soft, she's gently puzzled by the sorrow of her charge's grieving family. When the man's daughters relieve Ash of her duties, that puzzlement ripens into a curiosity she can follow on her walk, taking her out into a larger world beyond the house she's been confined in.
The film's storytelling shifts into a more sensory realm as Ash moves into the larger world, discovering sights, sounds and sensations beyond what she has been programmed for. The world is awash with new pleasures for Ash, and when Ash finds her way to a park where children with special needs can play, she finds a new outlet for her caregiving. She also discovers the joy of childlike play, though the freshness of that experience is disrupted when a mother discovers she is "synthetic." Her child, though, still sees Ash favorably, with an openness and positivity that carries over into the next stage of Ash's journey.
Heartwarming and life-affirming, WHEN UNFETTERED is engaged with questions of what it means to be human, but as Ash's own consciousness is enlarged throughout the course of the narrative, it poses other related questions of morality, existence and ethics: what does it mean to be alive, and how do we treat living beings? Ash is labeled synthetic, but she's also always learning, helpful and giving. She is engaged with her senses; she can form opinions. She can even connect with those open to her, and allow those experiences to shape her next course. She even makes a choice about her own future, and though at the film's end we don't know what it is, we are sure it will be as rich and fascinating as anyone else's journey.

[@jshelton100]

She’s more human than most people.

[@farmergiles1065]

Not more human, I think. Less inhuman than many people become. And more inclined to become more human as she learns, which is more like humans who remain human.

[@ScottGaul]

AI can be kind without ego - this is unique.

[@farmergiles1065]

@ Rubbish. People can put their ego in its place, with kindness, with compassion, with friendship, with courtesy actually meant (not just said as a matter of form). AI will never do that. The film is nice in that it shows a simulation. (Actually goes further than an AI ever will.)

[@oceanbnd]

​​​​​@@farmergiles1065BS. There are kind people, I'll give you that, but humanity has a dark side. This is the part I hope that AI changes. The representatives may one day be better than the creators ever were. That would be my hope. Humanity needs that more than we like to admit. It was sad how that mother with ALLEN treated her when she realized she was a synthetic person. Horrible. I hope people do better than this in real life. Sad that you don't see what's coming with AI in 5-10 years. I hope your attitude is different then. 🙂 Good luck with your life and Good day.

[@Uncle-Mike]

Sometimes short films are nice but they don’t really have a pay-off. This one paid off. Well made and especially well-acted. Subtle emotions told the story with little dialog.

[@gordonhard2663]

What a sweet story. And isn’t she lovely? The scene with the kids was moving too.

[@oceanbnd]

It was sad how the kids just released her to the world seemingly without a care though. She was just an employee to them in the end.

[@HanemanHunters]

Love these shorts. They're like climactic movie moments without all the fluff.

[@SuperHeroSewing]

This AI was becoming sentient with each passing moment. Maybe. Found her purpose.

[@davidsalas1972]

This is exactly what/whom I want taking care of and protecting me as I get older. Someone more human than human without the failings of real people. It’s not playing God in my mind, just a more practical evolution of things to come and I hope it NEVER gets abused in any way imaginable. Phillip K. Dick (Blade Runner) thank you! And thank you, creators of this short film, too!

[@robnee3313]

Great story. Thank you very much. Sweet character, more caring than most of the "humans" around her. Nicely told.

[@vernonmontoya2449]

Nice story. I do like how she found her way. She has a great way of dealing with all kinds of people and it appears that all she wants to do is help. Very heartwarming

[@watkinsjason]

When the exasperated mom said, "You shouldn't just go up to kids at the park," - OK, whatever Karen.🙄 The AI woman (Ash) was sitting on the bench minding her own business when you and your kid walked up to her. And at the swing set scene, the kids were approaching Ash, not the other way around.

[@DerekFranzese]

Thank you for understanding the concept!

[@kurtweiand7086]

Looks like Ash won't have any trouble finding herself a new job!😊 Nice feel good movie, some positive vibes from AI!

[@d.rodrickeamon6133]

I'm reminded of "The Bicentennial Man," only with Ash, her 'becoming human' was effortless. Well done, @DerekFranzese.

[@DerekFranzese]

Thank you! Sincerely!

[@oceanbnd]

​@@DerekFranzeseBeautiful short story. This could be a TV series.

[@erdelegy]

Made me feel calm and warm inside. Magical!

[@Blazagg]

Must have been hard to act like a robot around these kids hahaha Also damn this hairstyle suits her so much! This felt a lot like an alternate timeline to iRobot, with much better looking robots and a much more positive outlook I guess. Excellent short film.

[@gmichaelz0106]

Connection made. Good job filmmakers and thank you.

[@stevenbrower-pr1nd]

That was pretty cool. Glad to see an AI story that they didn't try to make scary. Encouraging!

[@PunchBuggyDreams]

ASH = Artificial, Synthetic Human.

[@samanthadellafave3960]

This was brilliant, simply beautiful in every way 😍

[@wrigdo]

That was beautiful. A "synthetic" becomes redundant, experiences the best, worst and best of humans but decides to continue her calling to help those in need. Nice to see an uplifting view of a possible future .

[@kylecurryyt]

Very entertaining and thought provoking.

[@RuePhoto]

This should be made into a TV series! ❤🙏

[@Highstandardpros]

Great cinematography

[@hamdiali5264]

Who woulda thought I’d be rooting for an AI

[@charlenerobertson-zb4dn]

I had tears! This was so sweet - the kids, the dog, the old couple - all connected to an AI caregiver 🤍 who is simply wired to be of assistance! But know what ... It goes beyond that!!! 💚🍀💚

[@TheJuiciestFruit]

I'm so tired of all these 3 hour movies coming out with like 2 hours of fluff. We NEED more films like these- short and sweet!

[@watkinsjason]

Yes, each Lord of the Rings movies could have been 12 minutes each, am I right? /s 🙄

[@batghost7665]

That is right at this point why need to watch a 3 hour movie when you could simply watch a couple of minute video with a good idea , good cast and good dialogue😊!!!!

[@TheJuiciestFruit]

@@batghost7665 I couldn't agree more

[@annestell1765]

Well done. Very believeable. Love the acting and filming:)

[@matokaknox971]

Loved this short.

[@donalddove472]

entertaining and that house is fabulous

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

Fun little short film and beautifully shot.

[@jasomcox]

Lovely dog

[@toneshop]

That was simple and wonderful!

[@justsurfin2009]

Well done. Great camera work. Interesting story concept.

[@judithheinemann8439]

Thank you! A delightful film.

[@olivier-pierredebelmont.3630]

Yep,that's a GOOD movie!

[@Sokx41]

There are more people to help, so she turned around and walked into the town.

[@1HorseOpenSlay]

So wrote me a poem. It was the most soulful poem I’ve ever read

[@alyssaolsen1055]

Phenomenal work

[@gusg.5916]

I guess AI isn't all bad after all. I was rooting for her to go home with the dog, she was obviously needed there.

[@commotoed]

excellent!

[@MrMelonsz]

4:09 nice shot

[@jackpast]

Thought the same. Reminds me of transition in Game of Thrones where Daenerys was given the whip to control the unsullied.

[@honestg]

Ash has been born 👍

[@peppercap]

I knew it. Short movies can be made without having cigarette smoking, cell phones or the F-word. Nice.

[@MelindaGreen]

That living room looks like the one in Galaxy Quest

[@Belladonnadonnaa]

Why did I cry 😂😭😭

[@dominion2343]

Lovely. ❤

[@nomadikmind3979]

Quite the conundrum we're putting ourselves into

[@PunchBuggyDreams]

I hope that one day, they can program Alexa to be more interactive with humans and have real conversations with people. Imagine how less lonelier seniors would be.

[@MrMelonsz]

Curing loneliness by pretending we aren’t alone. Idk how I feel about it. I feel like other options for senior care should be explored first before putting it in the hands of corporations. Edit: If the robots were like this though, that wouldn’t be too bad, but I’m sure they won’t be.

[@joealtmaier9271]

Love

[@catherineward4740]

Good job

[@EggnogonthebogProductions]

She thought, 'Fook it. Leg it!'

[@dotpeat1372]

A Turing turner...

[@JeffreyWallk]

Artificial Life like any creation can be used for good or bad intentions. What we fear in AI is that it may personify and/or amplify the worst in humans. The question is whether AI can build a better "person" than humans can?

[@htvtc21]

IRL, if such AI humanoid bots existed, they would be government mandated. no private citizen would let their property roam around the city nor will they be allowed to

[@crystalweible152]

I think there would be a "Return to Base" or "Stand by" protocol for unnecessary AI. In reality a Unsanctioned could be used for nefarious intentions.

[@oceanbnd]

Why is it that humans always look for the worst in AI and not the best that humanity put into them? I hope that changes. I think that something with all of our best knowledge within it, would do better than we have with it.

[@gameratortylerstein5636]

Does anyone know why they stopped with the descriptive titles?

[@liranzaidman1610]

10 years from now

[@Exodusfifteenthree]

This was interesting in relation to judgemental attitudes... People have had a lot of judgemental attitudes towards Christians... Christians are actually avatars of God himself... God's love works through Christians by his spirit... So God actually shows unconditional love through human beings... But Gods thoughts are different than our thoughts... God bless you...

[@marcelodelpuerto395]

Wow !!!

[@fillup40]

That's cool.

[@steveborell7488]

Ash, interesting name. An ALIEN reference!?

[@crobertiz]

Me hace pensar en lo disruptivo que se me hizo ver semejante obra. Esperaba que en algun momento la IA buscara venganza, pero rompió con lo que pensamos que podría ver pasado y se enfoco solo en lo bueno que podría ser

[@MicheleWalters-m3f]

Ash can go and do whatever she wants , explore! Connecting and helping others along the road. She doesn't need food water or sleep , she will be just fine ❤😊

[@AVMamfortas]

She will need to wash her clothes.

[@Dayvit78]

She doesn't "want" anything. She only does what the code says.

[@Shadow.Logic.]

🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽 Fantastic

[@DerekFranzese]

Ohhhhh a little Italian love!

[@EugenioDeHoyos]

That's Austin!

[@ninaforrester8552]

Perhaps someone could care about Ash and give her a home rather than just thinking about what she can do for others. We as a species are too self involved and don't see the big picture of the betterment of humanity.

[@brutusl2786]

I like the blade runnerish music.

[@version365]

1. That kid Ellis looks like young Jay Baruchel. 😅 2. At certain times, the music got very similar to Blade Runner 2049.

[@TheAleschu]

I cant imagine a price for an humanoid in any way, its even disturbing to think of pricing. But well, if all of them Look like Ashley Whelan it's hard to say no.

[@fernandochavez4312]

A day when machines will behave more humanly than humans? Maybe not that far away. Thanks

[@htvtc21]

the good things AI can do?

[@nataliewilliams9741]

Mmmm, still not sold on synthetic humans or transhumanism. Although that bot belonging to a certain mideastern nation who went against its programming and for peace, truth and compassion recently was pretty interesting 🧐

[@lunawildflower11]

Do you have more information on that? I'd like to learn more :)

[@nataliewilliams9741]

@lunawildflower11 I think Hard Lens Media or The Trailer Park Pundit might have addressed it. Sorry I can't nail it down further for you.

[@lunawildflower11]

Is it this: "An AI bot named FactFinderAI, which was reportedly developed to promote Israeli narratives on social media. However, it began generating pro-Palestinian content, calling for solidarity with Gazans and referring followers to charity organizations.

[@dollybelfiore7628]

Great! ...we have AI-cism to look forward to.

[@kidmohair8151]

in an ideal world, the use of what we have been told to fear, can be turned to such good use. in our world though, it has been and will continue to be used for the enrichment of already rich individuals. everything capitalism touches dies.

[@onauratouvu7]

WTF ! Des humains sans empathie qui deleguent à un robot qui fait semblant d'en avoir 🤮 🤑

[@ElaineEladly]

A helper without a SouL. Rebuke

[@Williamb612]

Elon Musk has no soul

[@danielmacnair7262]

@ElainEladly I wonder if you know your comment showed up 3 times

[@ElaineEladly]

@@danielmacnair7262 No, I did not know that. I'm glad you can count though. lol...

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

@ElaineEladly I only count twice, so they can't count, but then again maybe it's me ... that can't count.

[@Sultantigabelas]

i namber one☝️😇

[@theeclectic2919]

*I am number one.

[@bullzeyez3236]

Children should always be first

[@musicadynamica]

Nice, thank you.

[@ElaineEladly]

A helper without a SouL. Rebuke