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8

mandavalentineJan 22, 2020

Mark Leidner’s script for Empathy Inc. is an exciting, cleverly detailed neo-noir that successfully melds elements of classic noir films and futuristic concepts of extreme technology to create a fresh experience that not only entertains theMark Leidner’s script for Empathy Inc. is an exciting, cleverly detailed neo-noir that successfully melds elements of classic noir films and futuristic concepts of extreme technology to create a fresh experience that not only entertains the audience but encourages you to figure out the story’s biggest twists. The audience is able to connect with the threatening dystopian situation Joel finds himself wrapped up in with the development of the extreme virtual technology because of the universal themes presented in the story, such as greed, classism, and the power of perspective. But ultimately, the writing has created an entirely unique, smart, and unpredictable plot whose fantastical elements are treated realistically to prevent over-explaining. The script takes every opportunity to surprise audiences who think they know what’s going on and does a great job at hiding seemingly insignificant details that prove meaningful later on. It’s refreshing to see such an organic plot that doesn’t try to explain itself and respects its audience enough to trust that they are smart enough to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. That’s what really sets this film apart from other technological-centric thrillers and with all the subtle clues, it begs to be watched more than once.… Expand

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8

claudguillermoJan 24, 2020

Personally, I find that inspiration is a hard subject to tackle, as I for the most part find it very difficult to trace my own influences, even if they are obviously there. I believe the film Empathy Inc. does a fantastic job of understandingPersonally, I find that inspiration is a hard subject to tackle, as I for the most part find it very difficult to trace my own influences, even if they are obviously there. I believe the film Empathy Inc. does a fantastic job of understanding its influences, but also not honing too much on it where it leaves more to be desired. I often think about each piece of music, book, film I’ve seen or even situation that I have lived in, manifest itself in the same orbit in my mind, where it will get obscured and torn apart. I believe that writer Mark Leidner does a fantastic job of blending in his influences in an original and easily understandable way. He takes his influences like a lyric writer, gaining from language whether it is a specific way to create a sentence for example. The film at first glance seems as if it will be just another sci-fi noir story, but what Leidner does fantastically is offer a bigger scope of each character. The way some scenes are written made me feel quite poignant as I empathized with these flawed, but relatable characters. His story left me on the edge of my seat with the small cast all acquitting themselves well, as the suspense began to rise. I believe the film did a fantastic job of poetically ending the film with such high suspense in a creative and satisfying way. If you are looking for a film that tells a classic crime tale but in an original way I’d highly suggest watching this.… Expand

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9

mdesi031Sep 13, 2019

Empathy, Inc, does a spectacular job in portraying the scientific dangers of Virtual Reality through its dark twist of the phrase “taking a walk into someone else’s shoes”. Similar to the M. Night Shyamalan’s Split, in which the mainEmpathy, Inc, does a spectacular job in portraying the scientific dangers of Virtual Reality through its dark twist of the phrase “taking a walk into someone else’s shoes”. Similar to the M. Night Shyamalan’s Split, in which the main character had to play numerous characters, the cast of Empathy, Inc. play more than one character in a very skillful and talented manner. Zach Robidads (Joel), does an extraordinary job capturing the persona of his fellow cast members. I have to commend this film for its genius concept and its ability to execute it. This film really does produce empathy after watching it. I have to recommend this must-see film.… Expand

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9

kenzie_moSep 16, 2019

Empathy, Inc. is a thrilling independent science fiction film about an extreme virtual reality company that keeps you on your toes at every corner. A major contributor to this effect on the audience is the movie’s editing, which can beEmpathy, Inc. is a thrilling independent science fiction film about an extreme virtual reality company that keeps you on your toes at every corner. A major contributor to this effect on the audience is the movie’s editing, which can be attributed to Shira Arad. Many times I found my eyes glued to the screen during an intense scene and right at the climax, it cut to a different scene that left me wondering what happened at the end of the last one. This adds to the anxious feelings the film invokes by leaving the viewer in the dark until the conclusion when all is revealed. These elements of suspense that are slowly put in place during the film come together in such a satisfying way, which is why I recommend this film.… Expand

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9

KareemTLSep 16, 2019

Director Yedidya Gorsetman brings film noir into the modern-day with his new Indie sci fi thriller Empathy Inc. The film gives an emotional thrill ride into the world of XVR. The Monochromatic film noir look embraces the world of the film.Director Yedidya Gorsetman brings film noir into the modern-day with his new Indie sci fi thriller Empathy Inc. The film gives an emotional thrill ride into the world of XVR. The Monochromatic film noir look embraces the world of the film. The black and white tone displaces you within the world of XVR technology that brings out the film noir’s detective trope. This is best displayed by the protagonist played by Zack Robidas, trapping him in a technological body snatching. I recommend this film for the intense thrill ride.… Expand

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9

KaylaLynnSep 16, 2019

Director Yedidya Gorsetman took ingeniously creative liberty while making Empathy, Inc.. While watching this monochromatic, retro-stylized movie, I kept asking myself what era the setting of the film belongs to. Only after some reflection IDirector Yedidya Gorsetman took ingeniously creative liberty while making Empathy, Inc.. While watching this monochromatic, retro-stylized movie, I kept asking myself what era the setting of the film belongs to. Only after some reflection I finally realized its ironic take. The futuristic sci-fi technology element of the film is a huge contrast to the old fashioned, black and white time period the cinematography remineces. I personally loved the feeling of displacement these stylistic choices evoked. I think it was a great juxtaposition that puts the film in its own realm and I can’t wait to watch it again!… Expand

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10

AnnieMcCormickSep 17, 2019

Empathy, Inc. is a sci-fi thriller that has its basis firmly planted in reality. The film involves a start-up company that claims to use virtual reality to give paying customers a chance to walk in the shoes of the homeless in the hopes itEmpathy, Inc. is a sci-fi thriller that has its basis firmly planted in reality. The film involves a start-up company that claims to use virtual reality to give paying customers a chance to walk in the shoes of the homeless in the hopes it will make the clients problems seem highly manageable once they’re done. With the constant advances in virtual reality that can be seen in real life, writer Mark Leinder’s plot is eerily plausible. This creates a thought provoking element that rises above what can be found in films within the sci-fi genre that create stories that are too fantastical to relate to. I found that this film was very much worth my time and worth looking into because I was left turning over thoughts about its commentary on what could be long after the film was over.… Expand

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9

kaleyphillipsSep 17, 2019

Yedidya Gorsetman and Mark Leidner, director and writer of Empathy Inc., made sure to not stick to a formulaic idea of genre. They used elements of horror, sci-fi, film noir, and thriller movies to appeal to their viewers. Mark Leidner’sYedidya Gorsetman and Mark Leidner, director and writer of Empathy Inc., made sure to not stick to a formulaic idea of genre. They used elements of horror, sci-fi, film noir, and thriller movies to appeal to their viewers. Mark Leidner’s writing for the film and his added psychological tension to the characters elevated the thriller aspect of the film. They took the idea of deciding not to pinpoint a direct genre for this movie and created a story instead. This decision paid off because the concept of Empathy Inc. is original and new and draws people in solely with the story that they are telling. This genre-bending film is one of a kind and is not to be missed.… Expand

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9

lizaduke93Sep 18, 2019

Empathy Inc, a sci-fi thriller directed by Yediya Gorsetman, incites a dialogue about morality. Boundaries are pushed and lines are crossed when Joel (Zach Robidas) loses everything and is pushed into a corner when presented an opportunity toEmpathy Inc, a sci-fi thriller directed by Yediya Gorsetman, incites a dialogue about morality. Boundaries are pushed and lines are crossed when Joel (Zach Robidas) loses everything and is pushed into a corner when presented an opportunity to invest in a new form of virtual reality. From the deception between characters, to the concept of becoming someone else in virtual reality or in real life, I felt like I was invited to think about how the events in this film reflect their own ideas of right and wrong. If you’re looking for a movie that is full of excitement yet still challenges you to reflect on a deeper concept, Empathy Inc definitely delivers.… Expand

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9

NickGeorge123Sep 19, 2019

The wonderful work done by director Yedidya Gorsetman and writer Mark Leidner created the sci-fi thriller masterpiece, with an interesting tale of morality, that is Empathy Inc. The story follows businessman Joel (Zack Robidas) who recentlyThe wonderful work done by director Yedidya Gorsetman and writer Mark Leidner created the sci-fi thriller masterpiece, with an interesting tale of morality, that is Empathy Inc. The story follows businessman Joel (Zack Robidas) who recently lost everything and is investing the last of his in-laws money in a seedy Xtreme VR technology in an attempt to bounce back, but later realizes the true dark intent of the technology. The screenplay does a great job of conveying the immensely difficult decisions the characters have to make, some being life or death. While it is an extreme situation, Gorsetman and Leidner do a great job of making these decisions feel very realistic and made me question what I would do in these difficult scenarios. I would highly recommend Empathy Inc. as an exciting thriller with a great storyline.… Expand

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9

cmarie43Sep 19, 2019

Empathy, Inc., a new sci-fi thriller written by Mark Leidner, tells a powerful story of deceit, corruptibility, morals, and love; all tied in with society's obsession and advancement of virtual reality. The director Yedidya Gorsetman's, useEmpathy, Inc., a new sci-fi thriller written by Mark Leidner, tells a powerful story of deceit, corruptibility, morals, and love; all tied in with society's obsession and advancement of virtual reality. The director Yedidya Gorsetman's, use of blocking is set in a way which creates an exciting game of chess, which characters can't stop playing until one is declared the winner. The curiosity brought on by Leidner's prediction of society's dystopian future, v.s., our ingrained human feelings and connection, leaves the audience creatively satisfied and eager for discussion. Empathy, Inc., was made for viewers who desire diverse and compelling stores, revolving around technologies relatable yet electrified challenges.… Expand

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9

allisontobrien1Sep 26, 2019

Empathy Inc, superbly written by Mark Lidner, was filmed in noir, adding an eerie element to the film which elicits the sense of nostalgia and classic feel of The Twilight Zone or the unsettling feel of Black Mirror. With similarities to eachEmpathy Inc, superbly written by Mark Lidner, was filmed in noir, adding an eerie element to the film which elicits the sense of nostalgia and classic feel of The Twilight Zone or the unsettling feel of Black Mirror. With similarities to each of these well-established works, I found it easy to get into the rhythm of the film almost immediately. Watching protagonist Joel (Zack Robidas) fall so deeply into the trap set by Lester (Jay Klaitz) and Nicholas (Eric Berryman), just as he’s done in the past, captivated me from the beginning as I constantly found myself wanting to scream at him to run away as fast as possible. This film was intense and full of thrill, so I cannot help but recommend that you watch it for yourself!… Expand

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9

gabbiebenjaminSep 24, 2019

Empathy, Inc. is a brilliant work of science fiction where a new technology allows its user to fill someone else’s shoes and switch bodies with another person. In doing so, main actor Zach Robidas (Joel) successfully tackles multipleEmpathy, Inc. is a brilliant work of science fiction where a new technology allows its user to fill someone else’s shoes and switch bodies with another person. In doing so, main actor Zach Robidas (Joel) successfully tackles multiple personalities alongside with antagonist Jay Klaitz (Lester) and adds an interesting level of complexity to the story. This clash of identities also creates an ethical conflict between the rich and the poor, taking on classism in a way that I’ve never seen done before in a film, let alone a horror. The cast of Empathy, Inc. contribute to a compelling plot and I highly suggest you give the trailer a watch to see if it peaks your interest as much as it did mine.… Expand

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9

elle_janeJan 17, 2020

Epic sci-fi thriller, Empathy, Inc. takes a unique spin on human duality, similar to what is seen in Jordan Peele’s most recent film, Us. Director, Yedidya Gorsetman uses distinct lighting concepts, heightened sounds, and mirrors among otherEpic sci-fi thriller, Empathy, Inc. takes a unique spin on human duality, similar to what is seen in Jordan Peele’s most recent film, Us. Director, Yedidya Gorsetman uses distinct lighting concepts, heightened sounds, and mirrors among other creative cinematic elements to fully portray personal duality within the film which harkens back to these same elements strategically woven into Us. Empathy, Inc. uses VR as the portal to the dual person, contrasting body vs. soul and good vs. evil. Gorsetman is brilliant when it comes to giving the audience a sense of immersion in the film, as you journey with the characters through their battle to “find” themselves. This perplexing thriller left me thinking about it long after I watched and I couldn’t help but recommending it!… Expand

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9

dillonhunterJan 21, 2020

In a film far different than what you may be used to, a Sci-Fi thriller with a twist of Horror, Empathy, Inc. does a great job of keeping the viewer interested in the wild ride that follows. I can’t overstate enough just how many twists andIn a film far different than what you may be used to, a Sci-Fi thriller with a twist of Horror, Empathy, Inc. does a great job of keeping the viewer interested in the wild ride that follows. I can’t overstate enough just how many twists and turns this movie has, it feels like a Twilight Zone episode, and could easily be a Black Mirror episode. Luckily director Yedidya Gorsetman does a wonderful job of directing Mark Leidner’s enthralling script which had me super invested in what comes next for main character Joel (Zack Robidas) throughout the whole film. When Joel runs into an old friend Nicholaus (Eric Berryman), and Nicholaus tells Joel about the opportunity to invest in his start-up which is making a revolutionary new technology known as XVR (Extreme Virtual Reality). The technology presents a similar issue that we may be facing in the near future about the laws of morality in a virtual world. From there the technology is revealed as something far more sinister than Joel had been sold, and the film shows how Joel tries to overcome the mistake he has made. I’d recommend streaming the movie on VOD when you have some free time.… Expand

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9

NicoHJan 21, 2020

Empathy, Inc. is a well-written sci-fi thriller that explores the true meaning of self, the consequences of immersive technology, and the gray areas that fall between. This disorienting story is brought to life by the protagonist Joel (ZackEmpathy, Inc. is a well-written sci-fi thriller that explores the true meaning of self, the consequences of immersive technology, and the gray areas that fall between. This disorienting story is brought to life by the protagonist Joel (Zack Robidas), a failed venture capitalist who becomes involved with a VR startup. Robdias’s performance is eerily realistic as he successfully plays the role of both a disillusioned husband, and cynical businessman. What stood out to me the most from this film is the writing as Mark Leidner is able to shift a seemingly tense white-collar drama, to something even bigger. With dialogue and situations that implicitly discuss class, and morality, Leidner is able to impact viewers even after they've finished the film. As a fan of realistic sci-fi, I believe Empathy, Inc. is a prime example of great writing enhanced by its actors. I highly recommend it.… Expand

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8

tayharrison_Jan 23, 2020

The new sci-fi thriller Empathy, Inc. exceeded my expectations in every possible way. Even with an independent budget, director Yedidya Gorsetman is still able to bring the film to life. The blend of a convincing set design with impressiveThe new sci-fi thriller Empathy, Inc. exceeded my expectations in every possible way. Even with an independent budget, director Yedidya Gorsetman is still able to bring the film to life. The blend of a convincing set design with impressive performances generates outstandingly believable visuals, as well an established concept of the film. These two elements work hand in hand to offer us an immersive experience into the life of venture capitalist, Joel (Zack Robidas). After uprooting his life in the west coast, Joel runs into an intriguing opportunity involving VR technology that allows you to swap places with the less fortunate. The prop design used to portray this unique tech was a selling point for me in the film. Gorsetman’s vision is exhibited clearly and showcases his ability to craft a quality film, provided a low budget. Now that this film is on streaming platforms, it is definitely worth seeing what this film has to offer!… Expand

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10

lisskatherine3Jan 27, 2020

Empathy Inc. provides a monochromatic heart-racing sci-fi thriller that keeps the audience guessing through every twist and turn. The film begins when venture capitalist Joel suffers the loss of his job and a multi-million-dollar deal leavingEmpathy Inc. provides a monochromatic heart-racing sci-fi thriller that keeps the audience guessing through every twist and turn. The film begins when venture capitalist Joel suffers the loss of his job and a multi-million-dollar deal leaving him with no way to provide support for him and his wife Jessica (Kathy Searle). Distraught and desperate for money, Joel (Zack Robidas) agrees to invest into an upcoming company known as XVR (Extreme Virtual Reality) that gives users the opportunity to spend a day in the shoes of the less fortunate. This promising opportunity becomes more doubtful and suspicious throughout the film as XVR proves itself to cause more pain and anguish than the prosperity Joel anticipated. Director Yedidya Gorestman’s use of suspense, perspective, struggle, and horror will manipulate the audience’s ability to reason and will keep them asking questions from start to finish. This film is seamlessly directed and incorporates aspects such as romance, greed, and ambition displaying them in a way like never before. I highly suggest this film to viewers who want to be impacted and mind-blown in a way like never before!… Expand

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9

steveostrandJan 27, 2020

Reminiscent of noir and neo-noir films, Empathy Inc. takes an inventive feel on sci-fi and thriller genres with this indie masterpiece. Both Director Yedidya Gorsetman and Cinematographer Darin Quan’s work shines through as we follow JoelReminiscent of noir and neo-noir films, Empathy Inc. takes an inventive feel on sci-fi and thriller genres with this indie masterpiece. Both Director Yedidya Gorsetman and Cinematographer Darin Quan’s work shines through as we follow Joel (Zack Robidas) on his increasingly tense journey as his past failures lead him to an unnerving VR startup. This disconcerting feeling is represented on-screen as Quan’s cinematography adds weight to the indie film through noir-esque monochromatic visuals and inventive shots that really bring out the emotions of the film. One particular scene that effortlessly does this is the palpable close-up of Robidas through the crack of a hotel door that visualizes his desperation for success no matter the consequences. Not only entertaining but a true masterclass in visual storytelling and emotive cinematography, if you’ve got the time I can't recommend Empathy Inc. more!… Expand

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9

ChristineBlue25Jan 28, 2020

I am always looking for mind twister movies that use dialogue to foreshadow an overall theme of the movie. I recently watched an indie film called Empathy, Inc, a movie about a man joining a virtual reality startup company to soon realize theI am always looking for mind twister movies that use dialogue to foreshadow an overall theme of the movie. I recently watched an indie film called Empathy, Inc, a movie about a man joining a virtual reality startup company to soon realize the reality of it all is not virtual. The writer of this film, David Leinder, in my opinion did an excellent job adding dialogue in the film to unravel the storyline more. It made it fun to pick up on these sentences as they were usually added during a suspenseful scene. Towards the end of the film I picked up on a quote from Lester (Jay Klaitz) that hinted of where his company XVR all began. “When I was a kid, they told me we could be anything we wanted to be, I actually believed it”. This quote was so powerful to me during the climax of the film as it revealed the reason behind his wicked virtual reality company. I strongly advise watching this thrilling movie.… Expand

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8

andresriversJan 29, 2020

As someone who considers themselves an avid moviegoer, the indie sci-fi film Empathy, Inc. is one that has lingered in my mind since first viewing. Taking place in a universe not so distant from our own, it revolves around a recently firedAs someone who considers themselves an avid moviegoer, the indie sci-fi film Empathy, Inc. is one that has lingered in my mind since first viewing. Taking place in a universe not so distant from our own, it revolves around a recently fired venture capitalist named Joel who gets involved in a startup tech company with a mysterious new product known as Xtreme Virtual Reality. I believe it’s the decision by cinematographer Darin Quan to have the film shot monochromatically that I remember the look of the film so vividly. Similarly, a film in recent time that has incorporated this cinematic technique into their arsenal was the 2018 Academy Award Winning film Roma by Alfonso Cuaron, where the entirety of the film was in black and white. In an industry where monochromatic color pallets are rarely used, Empathy, Inc. implements this cinematic technique to its advantage by not only giving the film a neo-noir feel to it, but also giving it a unique identity helping it stick out among the rest, so if you have the time I highly recommend giving this film a watch.… Expand

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8

mattladartJan 29, 2020

Yedidya Gorsetman’s “Empathy Inc.” marks a groundbreaking achievement in the marriage of sci-fi and neo-noir. A down-on-his-luck venture capitalist, Joel, is sparked with interest by a startup tech company, “Empathy Inc” aimed at not onlyYedidya Gorsetman’s “Empathy Inc.” marks a groundbreaking achievement in the marriage of sci-fi and neo-noir. A down-on-his-luck venture capitalist, Joel, is sparked with interest by a startup tech company, “Empathy Inc” aimed at not only revolutionizing virtual reality, but reality itself. After Joel’s agreement to fund the new technology, the film shifts from quiet drama, to intense psychological thriller bringing audiences on a trippy story of deception and introspection. An incredible use of available no-budget filmmaking techniques never once took me out of the film, and will serve as true meaningful inspiration to budding filmmakers. The careful set design, paired with the particular choices in lighting for emotion, had me captured from the first shot. I can’t recommend this film enough!… Expand

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8

thiabrewJan 30, 2020

The themes that Empathy, Inc. touches on provide the film with a deeper commentary on humanity. The film follows the protagonist, Joel, a businessman who strives to achieve success in his new location on the East Coast. His determination isThe themes that Empathy, Inc. touches on provide the film with a deeper commentary on humanity. The film follows the protagonist, Joel, a businessman who strives to achieve success in his new location on the East Coast. His determination is faced with a challenge when he gets the chance to invest in an extreme virtual reality product that bends the mind of the user to believe they are in the body of someone less fortunate. This opportunity, which appears to be a chance to score a large amount of money for Joel and his family, has risks attached to it. Viewers get a chance to see Joel run into the problem of his own greed and how that has consequences for him. But since Joel is the main protagonist, and ultimately who is positioned as the “good guy,” this raises an important aspect of humanity; anyone can be faced with greed, but their moral actions following that greed is what defines them as “good” or “bad.” I would highly suggest this film for its attention to common problems while still portraying a concept that is unlike any other.… Expand

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9

DaveTearnJan 31, 2020

The second film by director Yedidya Gorsetman Empathy, Inc. is a neo-noir sci-fi thriller that utilizes its resources in a way that compliments the plot perfectly. This intimate thriller follows Joel (Zack Robidas) as he navigates throughThe second film by director Yedidya Gorsetman Empathy, Inc. is a neo-noir sci-fi thriller that utilizes its resources in a way that compliments the plot perfectly. This intimate thriller follows Joel (Zack Robidas) as he navigates through life, looking for a new venture to fund after losing everything to a failed investment. Joel is introduced to a cutting edge company that uses a technology called “Extreme Virtual Reality” to provide clients with a hyper realistic virtual experience. Joel’s curiosity begins to get the best of him and when he investigates the product on his own he realizes that there is more to it that he imagined. This film follows the concept of a tech startup and the props and settings used in the movie compliment the values of the company well. The company that Joel invests in is called Empathy, Inc. and is working with an incomplete, extremely advanced technology which is why the setting of an old, dingy warehouse works well as the site of the companies location. Surrounding the basic computer, chair, and helmet that make up the basic components of the XVR technology are several other unidentifiable gadgets. These various random machines with buttons and levers let the audience imagine a workshop like setting that has most likely seen many instances of trial and error throughout the process of creating a new technology without explicitly showing it. Instead of using special effects in order to express the idea of creating a secretive, potentially dangerous tech, this film lets the audience use context clues in order to imagine what happened off screen. This movie is incredibly entertaining and somehow encompases both future and retro feelings through setting and props and I highly recommend checking it out on VOD when you can!… Expand

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8

JamesSimonFeb 3, 2020

Empathy, Inc. is a profound sci-fi thriller that not only is brilliant in conjuring up excitement among its audience, but also is successful in acting as a perceptive commentary on deep social and philosophical topics such as how classEmpathy, Inc. is a profound sci-fi thriller that not only is brilliant in conjuring up excitement among its audience, but also is successful in acting as a perceptive commentary on deep social and philosophical topics such as how class functions in society. The film explores the character of Joel (Zack Robidas) and his ambition to provide for his wife Jessica (Kathy Searle) and her parents (Charmaine Reedy and Fenton Lawless) following Joel’s termination working in venture capital. Joel believes he has found his solution in a new technological advancement known as XVR, or Extreme Virtual Reality, which is supposedly designed to help people of a higher economic status realize the extent of their fortune by placing one’s consciousness within an alternate, but less economically privileged, virtual body for a temporary period. The psychological effect this as on the audience is accomplished through the complicated arc of Joel and his wife, which essentially functions as a personal journey to find happiness away from wealth, as well as through characters representative of different areas on the financial spectrum. Screenwriter Mark Leidner does not miss a beat in these portrayals, as it offers the audience with a clear lens of how class functions not only at the personal level, but at the systemic level as well. The social aspects of Empathy Inc. are even further complemented by the exciting sci-fi/thriller plot, which implicates the relationship between technology and a potential to exploit. If the function of class and greed is something that interests you, or just want to enjoy the excitement of a good thriller, then Empathy Inc. certainly is a movie that I would recommend.… Expand

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