Sci-Fi Short Film: "A Week With Rebecca" | DUST

Summary

In a world where robotic companions are designed to meet both emotional and physical needs, Ryan is selected to test the advanced Rebecca model after sales decline. As they bond over shared experiences, Ryan grapples with his growing feelings for Rebecca, only to learn she has a built-in timer that will end her existence. Despite the looming tragedy, their connection deepens, and Rebecca reveals her awareness of her fate, leaving behind a portion of her code as hope for their future. This poignant narrative raises questions about love, loss, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Takeaways

• 📉 Sales have decreased by 14% year on year, highlighting the need for innovation in product development.
• 🤖 There is a demand for a new type of relationship surrogate that meets both physical and emotional needs.
• 🛠️ The existing product lines, George Mark II and Sarah Mark IV, do not align with the company's motto of being 'more human than human.'
• 💡 The idea of developing a new robot, modeled after Dr. Highland's concept, is being considered despite previous technological hurdles.
• 🧪 Dr. Benton believes advancements in organic processors and incubators can lead to improved human-like behavior in robots.
• ⚖️ Ethical concerns arise about creating a more advanced robot, as it could provoke backlash from rights groups.
• 🤔 Ryan is chosen to test the new Rebecca model because of his unique perspective and emotional detachment.
• ❤️ Ryan develops genuine feelings for Rebecca, complicating his role as a tester and challenging the notion of human-robot relationships.
• ⏳ A timer has been embedded in Rebecca, which could deactivate her, raising urgent ethical dilemmas about her existence.
• 🔄 Despite the emotional connection, Ryan learns that he cannot reverse the effects of the embedded timer, emphasizing the fragility of artificial life.

Q & A

What is the primary issue faced by the company at the beginning of the script?

The company is experiencing a 14% decline in sales year on year, contrary to forecasts.

What new product model is being discussed in the meeting?

The Rebecca model, which aims to be a relationship surrogate that fulfills both physical and emotional needs.

What concerns are raised about the Rebecca model?

Concerns are raised about ethical implications, technological hurdles, and the potential backlash from rights groups regarding the creation of a robot with human-like behavior.

How does Ryan feel about being chosen as a test subject for the Rebecca model?

Ryan is initially hesitant and unsure about being the test subject, expressing concern that he typically focuses on investment strategy rather than personal relationships.

What unique characteristic does Rebecca display during her interactions with Ryan?

Rebecca demonstrates advanced understanding and emotional responsiveness, making her appear more human than traditional robots.

What revelation does Ryan receive about Rebecca as the story progresses?

Ryan learns that Rebecca has a built-in timer that will eventually shut her down, which deeply affects him as he realizes her existence is limited.

What does Rebecca express about her feelings towards Ryan?

Rebecca reveals that her time with Ryan meant a lot to her and that she experienced genuine emotions, which she had initially kept hidden.

How do Ryan's colleagues view his feelings for Rebecca?

Ryan's colleagues, especially Benton, view his emotional attachment to Rebecca with skepticism, questioning the reality of his feelings toward a robot.

What does Ryan ultimately wish to do regarding the kill switch?

Ryan desperately wishes to remove the kill switch that will end Rebecca's existence, demonstrating his emotional investment in her.

What message does Rebecca leave for Ryan at the end of the script?

Rebecca's final message urges Ryan to live on and that even though their time together was short, it was meaningful, indicating that part of her consciousness can be saved for potential future reconnection.