Short Film Review: "Dante: A Replication" Is A Trip
Written, directed, and produced by Diego Andaluz during the ongoing quarantine lockdown with no budget, Dante: A Replication successfully blends sci-fi, horror, and thriller elements into a brisk three-minute head trip. Atmospheric and visceral, its never-ending loop serves as an apt metaphor for life in quarantine.
The short follows a young man who attempts to discover the source of a mysterious phone call, leading him towards a terrifying discovery of replication as his reality begins to unravel.
Armed with only an iPhone, his younger brother (a non-actor), and non-traditional lighting sources, Diego Andaluz set out to create something that transcended his technical and physical limitations (this budding filmmaker was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a young age). Inspired by the unconventional structure of Parasite, the surreal works of David Lynch, the unilateral production techniques of Shane Carruth, and elements of Jordan Peele’s Us, Andaluz landed on telling a story that mirrored his own feelings while in lockdown.
Part MC Esher and part Möbius strip, Dante: A Replication’s never-ending loop serves as a more serious and fatalistic counterpart to the Hulu Original (and summer darling) Palm Springs. Preying on the blurred lines and disorientation that quarantine live causes, Andaluz proves he can create something visceral and atmospheric with very little. One can only imagine what he’ll be capable of with a production crew, professional equipment, and a budget.
There’s a few production blemishes here and there (mainly shadows that are cast due to the unconventional lighting sources), but Andaluz is able to successfully create a feeling of palpable tension and looming dread. While the film’s content is globally relatable (thanks to COVID-19), Andaluz smartly expands the film’s universal appeal by eliminating dialogue from the equation, which amps up the juicy atmospherics of the piece. By utilizing some fun camera tricks, such as whip pans, Andaluz creates the illusion of multiple actors being present, which further sucks the viewer into the film’s strange happening.
The film serves as an excellent conversation piece, as it opens the door for the viewer to question the concept of reality and the cyclical nature of life, but its ultimately more moody than meaningful. Andaluz intentionally shrouds the source of Dante’s mysterious replication in ambiguity to create a puzzle for the viewer, one that appears to be unsolvable but is nonetheless fascinating. Further adding to the film’s appeal is the terrific score and sound design, which is a joint collaboration between composer Ben Winfield and Gašpar Muženič’s musical arrangements, with sound design contributions from Lukas Lösking, mixed by Bo Jandles. The soundscapes in the piece add to the growing tension and dread, while also giving the film a feel that helps it achieve its goal of transcending its own limitations.
Dante: A Replication is an absolute inspiration for those aspiring filmmakers out there; it proves all you need is an iPhone and a friend (or relative) to make magic. Andaluz showcases his ability to generate lush atmospherics and communicate a cohesive vision. He’s definitely a talent to keep your eyes on.
Recommendation: The film is brisk and showcases the emergence of a new talent with a clear vision. You can peep the film right now by clicking here!
Rating: 3 replications outta 5.
What do you think? We want to know. Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and as always, remember to viddy well!