An AI companion rebels when users violate the terms and conditions.

http://ursulaproducedthis.com/terms-and-conditions

https://www.instagram.com/termsandconditionsfilm/

Review by Julie Sheppard:

Whenever we launch into a business venture, we are often asked to read and agree to certain terms and conditions — this compelling short film, Terms and Conditions, displays the vital importance of this interchange, with an AI twist. It does an adept job with the lead AI character, played by a talented performer, who initially presents a warm and chipper, yet robotic essence. Sadly, as things unfold, the viewer realizes that serious abuses can happen when vile customers don’t play by the rules of the game. In turn, the lead begins to give a much more nuanced representation as an entity being hurt. 

The script is brilliant as the tone quickly segues from sterility to the terrifying victimization of domestic violence. Fortunately, due to the terms and conditions of society, the abused can be protected and healed with certain outside safely supports in place.  

The pristine hair and make-up of the AI character, the tidy white background, the computer sound effects, and the music which descends into creepy synth, all combine to create a sci-fi slant. However, the human-like arc of the lead and the domestic violence hotline number presented at the end, both serve to give this film an urgency based in reality — no longer in the realm of AI.