What are some things you could see technology replacing in the future? Specifically, what is the replacement taking away from the original? Filmmakers Kevin and Kelly Luu offer their take in the Oscar-qualifying short film Technicians, with the answer being far more straightforward than you may expect.
David (J. Alphonse Nicholson) uses his skills in programming to support his sick mother Lynn (Sandra Walters). He accepts a routine job, setting up a batch of new Mani-One’s, the latest in automated nail-care technology. Arriving at the Serenity For You Salon, he is greeted by nail technician Tippi (Cathy Bui). Salon owner Julie (Devin Kelley) approves the installation, requiring Tippi to stay after hours to supervise the arrival of her supposed replacements.
Few things stir the pot more than robotics and AI do these days. Advocates exist on both sides of the fence, arguing for and against their uses in the modern consumerist society. Technicians examines this debate in the microcosm of a nail salon, and its findings are truly compelling, without coming across as overly complex. Confidently acted by well-matched leads in Nicholson and Bui, their evening together gradually opens David’s eyes to the point he’s been missing.
Technicians is slick filmmaking at its finest, plain and simple. Everything from the aspect ratio to shot composition, all the way down to the Mani-One’s practical functions, feels deliberate and immersive. But more than just its impressive technical feats, the film succeeds as a relevant piece of social commentary. It’s easy to say that artificial intelligence is bad or that its presence jeopardizes the working class, but it’s quite another to approach the topic in such a humanistic way. Directors Kevin and Kelly Luu aren’t trying to generalize here; rather, they are presenting an objective deficiency that goes beyond a manicure machine.
This robot and its sophisticated interface provide a quick in-and-out service that aligns with the fast-paced nature of today’s world. Even the workers acknowledge its proficiency. The tradeoff, however, is the personal side of the job. The nail salon workers genuinely appreciate their craft, but their time spent exchanging stories with customers is where the real value is, according to Tippi. “I think a lot of people underestimate the small conversations,” she says to a misty-eyed David. He thinks back to his mother, which is when realization hits both him and everyone watching the short. Tippi’s reasoning seems obvious, but the impact of something so elementary being wiped out leaves you pondering the fallout. This isn’t just about her, or her colleagues, or even the salon. It’s about everyone.
Beautifully acted and directed, you will seldom see a more thoughtfully crafted film about our technological plight than Technicians.
