Writer/Director: Ryan Patrick Kelley
Runtime: 7 minutes
The short from Ryan Kelley mixes elements of sci-fi and horror a la “Black Mirror” to highlight the extent that people will go to see the ones they love. At 7 minutes, no time is wasted as we’re introduced to Oz (Benjamin Paul Birmingham) and his partner Kaycanne (Cherrell Mack), who are expecting their first child when Oz shows up on the verge of death. We soon realize that death really isn’t the end for Oz, as we cut to him strapped up to a futuristic VR headset and a strangely warehouse-looking room where he sits and speaks to some off-screen AI. Oz begs to return to the “scenario” and even commands an override to do so, but he doesn’t return to the same.
It’s a clever setup that doesn’t immediately click with the viewer, largely due to the short runtime of the film at 7 minutes. This keeps the short quite pacey and interesting, even if it is a tad confusing as to what is happening and why. The “why,” or lack thereof of does lingers after the credits roll as we were left wondering about Oz’s situation, especially considering the wardrobe choice of putting him in a hospital gown usually reserved for a medical patient, even with no doctors in sight. It’s still an interesting and unique take on sci-fi horror, and the filmmaking is tops, as are the performances from the two leads. Kelley clearly has a command of the camera and knows how to draw the viewer in both visually and narratively. Even though it doesn’t answer all of the questions it poses, it does make us hopeful we will get an expanded version at some point!
(from https://www.macabredaily.com/articles/scary-shorts-showcase-running-oz-milk-baby-and-rendezvous-reviews)