Acclaimed science fiction director Neill Blomkamp has ignited a significant backlash following the release of his inaugural full-length film created entirely with artificial intelligence. Titled "Nightborne," the 13-minute short film, which premiered on YouTube on July 19, has been met with overwhelmingly negative reactions across social media platforms.
"Nightborne" is the first project from Barley Studios, a new venture founded by Blomkamp that focuses on AI-generated cinema. The director stated that the film was produced using Seedance 2.0, with himself providing prompts to guide the AI. According to the film's description, 32 individuals contributed their voices and likenesses to the characters under agreement, while concept art was developed by human artists. The narrative follows a U.S. Army pilot who, after being injured in Syria, becomes part of a covert program called ‘Nightborne,’ which involves a brainstem implant that transforms her into a subservient, zombie-like operative.
The short film is set within the universe of Peter Watts' 2014 novel "Echopraxia," a work that features elements such as alien life and zombies. While Watts himself has not publicly commented on the adaptation, the internet has been vocal in its criticism. Many online commentators have derided the film's dialogue, visual inconsistencies, and abrupt camera work. "No thank you. What a crazy fall from grace for such a beloved filmmaker," one user commented on YouTube, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many who expressed disappointment.
Blomkamp, known for his directorial work on "District 9," "Chappie," and "Elysium," has been experimenting with AI technology for several years. He views "Nightborne" as a proof-of-concept, intending to explore feature-length productions in this format. He explained on Instagram, "Barley Studios will be my new AI studio for creating my own films, the way Oats Studios was for traditional film and VFX." This follows a long-standing interest in adapting Watts' work, with Blomkamp having previously worked on adapting the novel "Blindsight," a prequel to "Echopraxia."
The critical reception to "Nightborne" stands in contrast to fan expectations, with many expressing a desire for a continuation of his popular "District" franchise. The director has been ambivalent about the future of "District 10," having previously stated in 2021 that he was writing a script but admitting in August 2023 that its production was uncertain. "I don’t know if I even want to make that right now, but at some point down the line, it’ll probably get made," he commented.
This incident follows similar discussions surrounding other AI-generated films, such as "Odysseus: The Fall," which also faced scrutiny from audiences. The growing use of AI in filmmaking continues to be a topic of debate within the industry and among film enthusiasts.