Bad Seed: A Unique Fusion of AI and Dark Comedy

In Bad Seed, Karan Sridharan and Yashaswini Nath take viewers on an adventurous narrative journey, blending a darkly mysterious sci-fi theme with the unexpected levity of dark comedy. The film captivates from the beginning, enveloped in mystery, then skillfully transitions into surprises, propelled forward by the script’s strategic revelations. What sets Bad Seed apart is its storyline and groundbreaking use of AI in its visual production. The filmmakers crafted imagery that defies the expectations typically associated with AI-generated content. The consistency and clarity of the protagonist’s portrayal throughout the film are commendable. It’s a testament to the filmmakers’ mastery of this innovative technology.

When I came across Bad Seed, I thought it would be another AI-generated film in which the characters and the shots look different in each frame. But to my surprise, the filmmakers have done a great job with consistency.

The pivotal moment in Bad Seed is when the filmmakers unveil the world to the viewers. This moment, which occurs at the film’s midpoint, is significant as it provides crucial context to the protagonist’s journey and the overall narrative. Initially, we, like the protagonist, are left with numerous questions. As the protagonist embarks on a quest for answers, we, the viewers, are also enlightened. The film’s narrative is not a string of unanswered queries; by the midpoint, a crucial revelation ensures our engagement and understanding.

Even though this is Indie Shorts Mag’s first published review of an AI-generated short film, this is not our first time rating one. The upcoming edition of the Indie Shorts Mag Short Film Festival has a category for AI-generated cinema, and we have received 100s submissions. AI-generated films are at their baby stage, and a few movies we have seen are exceptional. We are amazed at how filmmakers create incredible films within the current limitations around AI tools. Bad Seed is one such film that uses technology and is crafted around a well-structured story.

Bad Seed was great overall, but the voices could have been better. AI voice generation has improved in the past few years, allowing for lifelike voices to be generated. While some voices sound robotic, you quickly overlook this as you get immersed in the film’s storyline.

It’s hard to write further without spoiling the film. So, if you’re passionate about generative AI, watch Bad Seed for a humorous take on the AI industry, which includes witty dialogues, satirical references to real-world AI applications, and comedic situations that arise from the interaction between humans and AI models. Additionally, there are a few playful jabs at film festival juries.

Bad Seed charms with its engaging storytelling and pushes the boundaries of AI technology in filmmaking. It provides a peek into the future of filmmaking, where human creativity and artificial intelligence coexist. The result is visually appealing, engaging, and profound storytelling. Karan Sridharan and Yashaswini Nath have not only captivated audiences but also expanded the horizons of short films. We eagerly anticipate the future creations of filmmakers like Karan and Yashaswini, especially when tools like OpenAI’s Sora are released to the public.

Watch Bad Seed Short Film