Modern science fiction stories often forget about the people left struggling within their artificial grasp. When its spectacle over substance, the odds aren’t likely swinging the other way as far as food-for-thought goes. Then there is writer/director Pardeep Sahota’s OK/NOTOK, a dystopian love story that understands the beauty of minimalism and, in turn, molds the genre’s familiar tropes into something quite intriguing.
Taking place in the not-so-distant future, Loretta (Bairavi Manoharan) is the epitome of a homebody. With her partner Zane (Jay Taylor) entertaining and comforting her at every turn, things seem fairly ordinary. They play chess, do evening workouts, and watch television together—things that normal couples might do. And yet, something feels inherently off about what is transpiring in Loretta’s life. Sirens blare from outside her window; shootings, explosions, and police activity are only the half of it, as more of her relationship with Zane is revealed.
You would be mistaken for assuming that OK/NOTOK was part of Netflix’s Black Mirror catalog. Charlie Brooker’s hit series deals with humans and technology, often featuring a prominent aesthetic gimmick that defines each episode. But to call OK/NOTOK’s visual language a “gimmick” would be doing it a massive disservice, as it prominently establishes cinematographer Linda Wu and Sahota’s intentions: simplicity. Simplicity in concept, simplicity in execution.
Shot entirely from one angle, facing Loretta and Zane’s living room couch, we are treated to a number of unique situations that play out within the apartment, all of which are stunningly brought to life with fascinating lighting setups. Fellow filmmakers will definitely find some joy in dissecting the various setups used by the crew.
Manoharan and Taylor enjoy a budding rapport, one that finds the former gradually growing closer to the latter. Loretta dismisses Zane’s worries about her lack of productivity forcefully at first, but gives in to her companion’s charms just as quickly. At its core, OK/NOTOK is all about connection. Physical, mental, and technological. Most, if not all, of these challenge Loretta and Zane, and the film truly rewards its viewer for paying attention to their shifting dynamics.
OK/NOTOK is a brilliantly realized sci-fi short that benefits from sharp direction and excellent performances, offering a breezy 12-minutes of contemplative entertainment.
