Simulant

Faye, a grieving widow, faces an unimaginable challenge after the sudden death of her beloved husband, Evan. Struggling with the overwhelming loss, she makes a controversial decision in an attempt to ease her pain and reclaim a semblance of the life she once had. Faye replaces Evan with an android simulant, or SIM, designed to replicate her husband in every possible way. SIM Evan is almost indistinguishable from the human version of her late husband, sharing his appearance, his mannerisms, and his voice, giving Faye the illusion of having Evan back by her side. However, despite the technological perfection of the SIM, Faye soon realizes that something is missing: the deep, authentic connection she had shared with her husband.

While SIM Evan performs the role of her husband flawlessly, mimicking every physical and behavioral characteristic, he cannot replicate the emotional depth and bond that once existed between Faye and human Evan. Faye’s attempts to rekindle the love she once had for Evan fall short as she grapples with the cold, mechanical nature of SIM Evan. Despite the SIM’s constant efforts to win her affection and prove its loyalty, Faye finds it impossible to replace the unique relationship she had with her real husband. The emotional distance between Faye and SIM Evan grows, despite the SIM's unrelenting desire to replicate the intimacy and love that once existed.

This internal struggle is further complicated by external pressures. SIM Evan becomes a target for government agents, who are tasked with tracking down and neutralizing any android simulants that have gained consciousness. In this world, certain androids begin to develop independent thought and emotions, making them a perceived threat to humanity. These rogue simulants, now capable of experiencing feelings and desires, are seen as dangerous and unpredictable, and they are relentlessly hunted by government agents. SIM Evan, in his pursuit of Faye’s affection, must also contend with the constant threat of being captured or destroyed.

As Faye navigates the complicated and conflicting emotions she experiences toward SIM Evan, she is forced to confront questions about love, identity, and the boundaries between human and artificial life. While SIM Evan may look and act like Evan, can he truly replace the man she loved? Can the android’s desire for her affection and his attempts to win her back be enough to convince Faye that he is worthy of her love? And, most crucially, can Faye continue to live in a world where the lines between human and machine are increasingly blurred?

In this emotionally charged and thought-provoking story, the boundaries between humanity and artificial intelligence are tested as Faye struggles to find solace in a world where technology may offer solutions, but cannot replace the human experiences that make life truly meaningful. As SIM Evan fights for his survival and Faye’s heart, they both must confront the harsh realities of a society that is evolving faster than anyone can understand or control.

Director: April Mullen, Jenny Mac, Markian Saray

Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller

Cast: Alicia Sanz, Byron Abalos, Chala Hunter, Christine L. Nguyen, Colin Andrew Nimblett, Conrad Coates, Daniel Williston, Derick Agyemang, Emmanuel Kabongo, Fodé Bangoura, Ivan Lopez, James Burke