Survivalist Ethics.

The film is an ethical debate in a world where survival dictates everything and communication is strained.

A thief, Victor, is captured by two children of the lost generation, Aria and Deon. They argue about what to do; let him go or kill him. Aria, using her emotional reasoning and mutated hand, pursues the knowledge and the motivations behind Victor. Upon discovering his dire existence and dying wife through a vision, Aria's Utilitarian ethics conflict with Deon's Deontological ethics; as they both verbally battle for their outcomes. The situation worsens and ethical reasoning fails, everyone begins to embrace their survival instincts. Aria is left alone in this lonely world.

  • Jacob Cato
    Director
    Overly Compulsive Dread
  • Jacob Cato
    Writer
    Overly Compulsive Dread
  • Jacob Cato
    Producer
    Overly Compulsive Dread
  • Stella Stevens
    Key Cast
    "Aria"
    Fat Girl
  • Nicholas Wood
    Key Cast
    "Deon"
    Deduction
  • Frederick Torrance
    Key Cast
    "Victor"
    The Man Who Dreamt of Stars.
  • Hannah Gabel
    Key Cast
    Girls Night Out
  • Charlie Robinson
    D.O.P
  • Grace Marshall
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Nico Deacon
    2nd Assistant Camera
  • Bradley Lewis
    Sound Recordist
  • Robyn Leighton
    Make Up
  • Rosa Glynn
    Runners
  • Robyn Leighton
    Runners
  • Ethan Folliard
    Runners
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Horror, Apocalyptic, Philosophical, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 20, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    55 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.00
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Salford
  • Salford Film Festival
    Salford
    United Kingdom
    May 11, 2023
    UK Premiere (However it was an older version)
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Jacob Cato

I am a Queer, Autistic filmmaker studying at the University of Salford. I aspire to be a writer-director but also specialize in key roles such as 1st AD, 2nd AD, and 3rd AD.
I am currently working in the Film/TV industry, in a paid role, as I work freelance on Hollyoaks as a 3rd AD.
I have written and directed several micro shorts, short films, and promotional videos for 3rd parties: Costume designers, HOME Deansgate, and Theatre performers.
I am currently based in both Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester. I am flexible when filming on any location.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film was created as a project for the University of Salford. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I solely Directed, Wrote, Produced, Production-Managed, and Edited the final film. I am incredibly grateful for my crew and actors who volunteered their time and talents to bring this passion project to life.

I wanted to base my understanding of contradicting philosophical theories, their relevant applications, and their impact in an extreme environment.

I hope you will enjoy it.