JEANNE: Writer/director Sarah D’Ambrosio leads an all-female production, GOOD VIBES ONLY, a 13-minute short film. In an era where everyone has an AI companion, Eva (Hannah Emily Anderson) struggles to control her emotions after a devastating breakup.

Margaret (voiced by Maddy Foley) is Eva’s AI, who helps her manage her feelings. Deep breathing exercises along with only positive thoughts rule the day. But when Eva is faced with giving a presentation with her ex, Vik (Dalmar Abuzeid), in the room, Margaret does her best to prepare Eva. The results are far from calm and regulated.

D’Ambrosio and her team have created an environment that is streamlined --- perfect actually --- yet devoid of character. They set out to evaluate how female rage manifests in this world of digital control. Eva wants to cry --- and scream --- which she does, but at what price?

Anderson brings all of Eva’s emotions to the forefront with great intensity. She just wants her place back where she can go to buy her oat bars without running into Vik --- and without Margaret judging her every move. Anderson gives a flawless performance.

GOOD VIBES ONLY is a great start for D’Ambrosio, making her directorial debut. She’s assembled a terrific cast and crew to illustrate the drawbacks of AI and what is possibly very much in store for all our futures.

OPINION: SEE IT NOW!

DAVID: GOOD VIBES ONLY is a short film featuring a woman named Eva (Hannah Emily Anderson) undergoing a painful breakup and prepping for a workplace meeting. She depends on her AI companion, Margaret (Maddy Foley) on her cell phone for advice, primarily only positive phrases. Margaret promises Eva she will receive applause from her clients and colleagues at the meeting. Ms. Anderson is totally credible as Eva.

Written and directed by Canadian Sarah D’Ambrosio, GOOD VIBES ONLY is a clever spoof of how some of us have come to depend on a robotic voice over the phone to guide us appropriately. Does the story portend that we will be unable to formulate thoughts of our own?

Certainly, with the advent of AI, this brief look at what might be is part comedy but mostly uncomfortable to contemplate. The film also features Dalmar Abuzeid (Vic), Anas Hasan (Raf) and Andrea Pavlovic (Amy) in small roles. Easily worth 13 minutes of your time as Ms. D’Ambrosio and an all-female crew have crammed a lot of thought into a very brief yet powerful tale.

OPINION: SEE IT NOW!