Living alone at home, with his dog Sandy and his VHS tapes as his sole company, Conor avoids interacting with the outside world. Everything changes when, one day, he gets to play Obex, a digital graphic adventure that kidnaps Sandy. Conor will have to venture deep into the world of Obex to save the only companion that has ever made him feel happy.
We encounter a familiar face at the festival once again: Albert Birney, director of Obex, who previously co-directed two features—Strawberry Mansion (2021) and Sylvio (2017)—both distinctive cinematic experiences that steer clear of stereotypes and play freely with form and film styles. On this occasion, Birney opts for an oppressive black-and-white atmosphere, rich in contrast both inside and out, crafting a nightmarish dream that explores VHS and dark-fantasy aesthetics reminiscent of films such as Labyrinth (1986), The Dark Crystal (1982), Tron (1982), and Videodrome (1983).
Credits
Year: 2025
Runtime: 90′
Country: USA
Direction: Albert Birney
Screenplay: Albert Birney, Pete Ohs
Cast: Albert Birney, Callie Hernandez, Frank Mosley
Cinematography: Pete Ohs
Genre: Science fiction
Contact: Filmin
Wins & nominations
2025 | Sundance Film Festival
2025 | Sitges Film Festival
