TCL's New AI-Generated Short Films: From Bad Comedy to Existential Horror

Exploring the Latest in AI-Generated Short Films by TCL

Earlier this year, TCL made headlines with the release of a trailer for Next Stop Paris, an AI-animated short film that appeared to have the qualities of a Lifetime movie, enhanced by a touch of AI. The trailer was characterized by characters that exhibited unnatural movements, lifeless facial expressions, and animation that made the scenes feel as if they were perpetually vibrating. The initial backlash online led to speculation that this would be TCL's last foray into AI filmmaking. However, the company surprised audiences by unveiling five more AI-generated short films, now available for streaming on TCLtv Plus. After witnessing the backlash from Next Stop Paris, one could only wonder how these new films would fare.

Ranking TCL's AI-Generated Short Films from Tolerable to Terrible

While the new films seem to show some improvement over Next Stop Paris, they serve as a stark reminder that AI-generated videos still have a long way to go. Here's a rundown of these five short films ranked from tolerable (5) to painful to watch (1).

5. Sun Day

Inspired by Ray Bradbury's short story All Summer in a Day, Sun Day depicts a girl living on a planet where the sun emerges only once every seven years. After winning a lottery to witness this event from the 'Citadel,' she faces challenges when two bullies lock her in a room, denying her access.

The film takes a bizarre turn as she navigates through her school’s sewers with the help of her father, who communicates telepathically. Various absurdities, including encountering purple rats and a rocket that launches her to a rooftop, undermine the storytelling. While facial expressions remain a stumbling block, the voice acting was relatively commendable.

4. Project Nexus

Project Nexus feels more like an extended trailer than a complete story. The plot revolves around a man discovering a radioactive rock that gives four teens supernatural powers after an explosion. The lack of coherent animation and expressions makes it a challenging watch, despite the story's potentially compelling premise.

3. The Best Day of My Life

In a mixed-genre approach, The Best Day of My Life features actor Dr. Warren Brown recounting his experience of losing a leg in an avalanche on Cerro Castillo mountain. The AI flashbacks depicting his survival story are partially engaging but are often overshadowed by bizarre sequences—like a zebra transforming into a lion. The ending is particularly cringe-worthy, as Brown refers to this traumatic incident as the "best day" of his life.

2. The Audition

The Audition starts with comedic promise as an actor attempts to impress a selective casting director. However, the humor quickly devolves into absurdity, especially as the casting director’s requests become increasingly bizarre—like wanting the actor to resemble a different version of Brad Pitt. AI facilitates a series of outlandish transformations, but ultimately, the casting director dismisses him for being "too typical," leaving viewers unsatisfied.

1. The Slug

At the bottom of the ranking is The Slug, which takes an eerie turn. The film follows a woman burdened by arthritis who is unable to reach her family or doctor for help. As she gazes outside, she places a slug on the ground, leading to a surreal moment where her body increasingly resembles a slug. The transformation is disturbing, and ultimately, her plight culminates in tragedy. Viewer discretion is advised.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while TCL continues to explore the realm of AI in filmmaking, its recent offerings highlight both the potential and the limitations of technology in storytelling. The experience of watching these films not only entertains but also invites reflection on the evolving landscape of digital animation.

Explore More on AI Animation

If you are intrigued by AI-generated films, check out our article on the latest trends in AI animation and storytelling techniques. Engage with us by sharing your thoughts on these films in the comments below!