Intern, from writer/director Elena Viklova, fittingly opens in the dark corridors of an office building where analog technology and more modern devices coexist, with workers leisurely lounging about the premises. The timeless feel of this environment is home to a shady corporation, with propaganda-like posters and signs plastered across the walls to complete its distinct dystopian flavor.
We follow Seth (Isaac Jay), a young intern performing seemingly meaningless tasks alongside another intern (Greg Smith). It all seems very quaint to Seth, who is doing his utmost for an organization he wholeheartedly believes in. So much so that he has prepared a dossier on improving the company for the mysterious CEO to read. Getting an audience with this elusive figurehead is one thing, but the interview itself is an altogether different beast for Seth to tackle. And once he hits the summit, there are unforeseen challenges he must endure.
The acting is top-notch, with a standout performance from Jay. The supporting cast also delivers, with Smith shouldering the bulk of the comedic material.
There’s a lot to dissect in the grand scheme of things. The numerous allegories that directly critique the corporate structure and blind loyalty are at Intern’s forefront. Sometimes the pacing can feel a tad slow, but it makes the most of its ticking seconds by focusing on Seth’s inner turmoil. There’s a feeling of helplessness that’s overwhelming, courtesy of the film’s cold authoritative figures. And yet it never overshadows the humor, finding satire in the most mundane of situations that Seth is presented with.
The cinematography (Aakash Raj) and set design (Masha Lyass) work harmoniously with the dark and borderline sterile environments, creating a sense of oppression and hopelessness. The dark greenish-yellow tint of the lower levels is a strong creative choice, with the filmmakers making excellent use of the space. Likewise, the CEO’s office and even an elevator are given their own identities with the color grading and staging.
Intern is a biting and entertaining short that explores important themes about loyalty, knowledge, and pressure in the workplace. It is a must-watch for fans of effectively done dystopian fictions.
