MIMICRY

Mimicry, directed by Aliks Chen and Dylan Simmons, is quite the special short film. At first glance, I thought it was simply going to be yet another film showing us how scary and robotic the future is going to be. Sure, in this film people have the option of pre-programming their babies to be perfect; no diseases, ailments, defects, and all the benefits the parents can ask for. However, the plot thickens when a couple,Claire and Brian discover they’re pregnant and are going to have a completely natural, unaltered baby.

This film is worth watching for several reasons. First, it is non-linear (does not go in order, event by event), this keeps things shifting and surprising. Secondly, it has good acting.Claire, played by Kelci Stephenson, just shines in this role. From the moment she announces her pregnancy and choice to keep her possibly flawed baby, we can see that she is an open minded, caring, and positive person. Likewise, Brian, played by Anthony Massullo, clearly demonstrates through his showmanship how a woman can really change your life for the better and help you see things in the best way. These two have good chemistry and their portrayal of a married couple was comforting and lovely to see in these times of flings and short-lived romances we see so often on screen and in real life. Thirdly, in the beginning we are shown a young woman speaking on TV about how her passion and talent for dancing has lead to success and happiness despite her blindness. This young lady turns out to be the baby that Claire and Brian decided to bring into the world despite the risks. This twist helps deliver the whole message of the film; it’s the imperfections that make the world so unique and people so special. Not pre-ordering exactly what you want out of a baby results in babies being born exactly how they are meant to be; their own special selves.

In addition, this young woman who is blind being shown in a positive, successful, and happy light is a nice change to how many blind and disabled people are typically portrayed in the media. Despite being blind since she was an infant, she still was able to realize her passion, pursue it, and excel in a world that is far harsher even than the one we live in. In a world where perfection was so sought after that people literally selected every fiber of their babies being, this amazing woman thrives. Her vibrancy was clearly influenced by her parents unwavering love and acceptance in her from the moment she was born. This also demonstrates the reality of how love can help us conquer any and everything in life.

I strongly recommend this film for people of any age. I was truly moved and felt my heart beat slow down several times in the most pleasant of ways. It is evenly paced, well-produced, well cast, and nicely flows from a beginning to an end.