Lens
A photographer fights to be rescued after her curiosity causes her to be abandoned on an alien planet.
- Producer
Luke Smith Kai Kilker - Writer
Luke Smith Kai Kilker - Director
Kai Kilker Luke Smith - Cinematographer
Kai Kilker Luke Smith Jacob Weiss - Editor
Kai Kilker Luke Smith - Actors
Alyx Drukus Jacob Weiss Molly Bilbray-Axelrod Kai Kilker Gio Torres Mason Brewer Luke Smith
Strong Focus
From the jump, the setting pulls you in and the tone is locked — no wasted time, just atmosphere and forward momentum. Visually, it’s striking. Bathed in blue light with VFX that actually feel integrated and purposeful. That’s not easy on a low budget, but it’s handled with real control. Big respect for going mostly single-character. That’s a brave move, but the actress carries it. She holds the screen and gives you just enough to root for. The creature’s handled well. You don’t show too much — it’s sound, shadow, and suggestion. Classic horror instincts, old school and super effective. Great shot choices. The coverage is tight — everything you need, nothing you don’t. It’s clean, smart filmmaking that keeps the story clear and the tension high. No over-explaining. Just the right balance of clarity and mystery. You trust the audience to keep up, and that confidence shows. Keeps it moving with just enough mystery.
Captured
Compelling story, no real set up but rest of story carried. Some sound inconsistencies
Tense, Stylish, and Impressively Controlled
This is a short that knows exactly what it’s doing. From the first frame, I was hooked by the visual style. The use of ultra-wide shots felt cinematic but also evoked a sense of CCTV surveillance — grounded, eerie, and immersive. It struck a perfect balance between stylization and realism, without falling fully into found footage territory. That restraint really worked. There’s some excellent old-school suspense on display here. The pacing is tight, and you let the tension build without ever giving too much away. The monster SFX are a real highlight — subtle and unnerving, with great sound design that kept me glued to the screen. The VFX are also A+: convincing, restrained, and world-building in the best way. You managed to establish the rules of the world without ever stopping to explain them. Performance-wise, the lead was solid — grounded and believable, which helped sell the danger. Dialogue audio was a little echoey at times, but never enough to pull me out. I actually wanted more — but in the right way. The film knew when to stop, and didn’t overstay its welcome.
Through the Lens
I thought the cinematography was well done and I liked the look and feel of the location. Not sure why we hear the camera in the beginning and not during the second part when pictures are taken.
Lens
The CG effects are very effective and well executed. Could do a little more to 3D track the battery life graphic to keep it locked onto the prop on the table. Good use of music throughout to set the tone of the short. Using the Cool shade also helps keep the tension up throughout out. nice job