ID EST: (Sci-fi) Action for Its Own Sake

Shayda Frost’s ID EST, a 12-minute sci-fi, is weak on the writing but boasts the aesthetic of a high-budget slick, sci-fi action flick. Following the encounter of the main cast with their evil counterparts, the story dives into the background of its protagonist in flashbacks while in the present she is hanging on to her being by a tenuous thread. 

The point of it seems to be (besides making a film brimming with cool visuals) to have its rugged female protagonist (Renn, played by Sof Puchley) reconnect with her past. The film opens right in the middle of the action with no time for exposition. Renn, Marcus (David W Rice) and Livia (Sunny Tellone) land in the middle of a desert on a different planet. The conflicts in this universe arise over resources, among which human emotions are included. Derivative, but not the worst. 

A pair (Darren Deng and Ellie Haigh) arrive to welcome the three to what seems to be their turf. It is not warm. The ensuing action shows off Renn’s sleek combat skills in a sequence heavy—sometimes too heavy—with cuts. It gives an excellent sense of speed and urgency but at the cost of the pleasure of watching a kick in its full glory. In the immediate aftermath, Renn comes out on top but it is miles away from a desirable outcome. Here, the action pauses for a flashback sequence into Renn’s past: Autumn Boyer plays a young Renn in training with gusto. 

In the present, nearly losing both of her teammates and herself leaves Renn with little doubt about the final, fraught decision she has to make. Puchley’s face, awash in the sun’s glow, makes an impactful final image. The score, by turns energetic and lamenting, is the highlight of the film bar its desert cinematography, even if neither feels very original. 

At the end of ID EST, a viewer will likely come away with the satisfaction of good action but may be fuzzy on the characters or the story. In other words, go in for the action and stay for the lighting. 

Watch ID EST Sci-Fi Short Film Trailer