Movie spotlight
A young man’s life is suddenly and inexplicably derailed, as he finds himself at the mercy of automated ‘justice’.
In a dystopian future, a man is arrested for a crime he didn't commit and is thrown into a bewildering, automated jail system. As he navigates the bizarre and Kafkaesque process of trying to prove his innocence, he encounters a series of absurd bureaucratic hurdles and increasingly strange technological malfunctions. The film humorously explores themes of dehumanization and the frustrating nature of modern systems.
Please Hold received positive attention for its creative concept and execution within its short runtime. Critics and audiences praised its dark humor and effective satire of bureaucratic and technological overreach, noting its ability to provoke thought while remaining entertaining. The film was particularly recognized for its unique vision and memorable premise.
Praised for its inventive premise and dark comedic tone.
Hailed as a clever satire of bureaucratic and technological systems.
Noted for its effective world-building in a short format.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not readily available for this short film.
Screened at various film festivals, including the Austin Film Festival and Palm Springs International ShortFest.
The film was conceived and developed by T.J. Parsell and his collaborators as a commentary on the increasing automation and impersonal nature of societal systems.
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The young “Mateo” (Erick Lopez) is heading to work one morning when he is apprehended by an automated policeman, forced to put on hand-cuffs and incarcerated - all without seeing or speaking to an human being. In his cell, the big screen ad...