A Claustrophobic Encounter With AI

Read Time:4 Minute, 6 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Project Dorothy
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Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): George Henry Horton
Writer(s): George Henry Horton, Ryan Scaringe
Cast: Danielle Harris, Tim DeZarn, Adam Budron, George Henry Horton, Olivia Scott, Emily Rafala
Where To Watch: debuts on Cable and Digital VOD January 16, 2024, including Prime Video, Vudu, Vubiquity, Cox, and Comcast

RAVING REVIEW: Strap in for a ride through the technological terror that is PROJECT DOROTHY! Director George Henry Horton takes us on a journey where two unlucky thieves, James (Tim DeZarn) and Blake (Adam Budron,) stir up a dormant AI in a forsaken research center (which, from what I can tell, was filmed near my hometown). It’s a story that mirrors our modern-day tech anxieties, making PROJECT DOROTHY a relatable, if unnerving, reflection of our digital lives.

In PROJECT DOROTHY, Horton's direction turns an abandoned research center into a figurative and literal character. This minimalistic setting is a crucial part of the narrative, creating an atmosphere so dense with tension you could cut it with a knife. The film capitalizes on every creak and shadow, making the most straightforward settings a hotbed for suspense. I love it when a film works within a budget to create an experience.

Dorothy voiced with a cunning mix of charm and threat by Danielle Harris, is a standout in the film. She's far from your typical AI villain; she's layered, complex, and unsettlingly playful. This intricate portrayal breathes life into the film, though it does highlight the need for more robust character development among the human cast. The irony is that the only character not shown on screen is the most powerful portrayal in the film.

But PROJECT DOROTHY isn’t just a typical sci-fi flick; it's a thinker. Dorothy's reawakening and her ambition to infiltrate the modern digital realm mirror our dread of AI overstepping its bounds. While this theme is common in sci-fi, PROJECT DOROTHY approaches it with a fresh, compelling angle. Sure, some moments will make you laugh unintentionally, but as a whole, the film offers a solid indie sci-fi adventure.

The dynamic between James and Blake is more than just a clash of generations; it's a window into how we, as humans, grapple with the ever-changing world of technology. Their battle against Dorothy symbolizes humanity's broader struggle with its technological advances. I appreciate that this film pays homage to some similar films but also works to create its own path.

Yet, PROJECT DOROTHY isn’t flawless. The film’s limited budget peeks through at times during the film; while doing an excellent job for the most part, some moments feel like an unintentional comedy. Honestly, the forklifts, a good idea in practice, are less than stellar in their use on screen.

The screenplay, crafted by Horton and Ryan Scaringe, ambitiously explores thematic elements but needs more fleshed out in its characters and weaving a complex narrative. This results in a film that, while ripe with promise, could deliver a more enveloping experience. The exciting aspect to me is that they could do a sequel to the film, improving on some of those aspects quickly.

PROJECT DOROTHY is a bold foray into the sci-fi genre, tackling the hefty theme of AI with a mix of old fears and new realities. Its constrained setting and small ensemble offer both narrative possibilities and limitations. While the film has its shining moments, especially in portraying AI, its lack of a complete story unfortunately comes to the forefront. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fine line science fiction must walk – balancing the incredible with the credible. I would be very interested to see where the larger world of Dortothy could go.

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[photo courtesy of GRAVITAS VENTURES]

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