Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Fear of losing a loved one inspired Kor Adana to delve into digital immortality. The film asks hard questions about technology's role in our grieving process.
- Creative collaboration was key in bringing One Last Round to life. From the cast's emotional resonance to the visual transformation of the characters, each team member contributed to the film's depth.
- Independent filmmaking offers unique creative freedom. Kor Adana valued the autonomy to make final creative decisions without external constraints.
Kor Adana, known for his work on "Mr. Robot" and "The Acolyte," brings his latest project, One Last Round, to the HollyShorts Film Festival. This film, starring Jake McDorman, Ana Cruz Kayne, and Grace Jenkins, explores the emotional and ethical implications of digital immortality. Set against the backdrop of a family grappling with terminal illness, Adana intertwines personal fears with technological advancements. With producers Nick Geisler, Harris Kauffman, and Bennett Cordon, this short film is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and legacy.
On choosing this story
Fear is what drew me to make this film. My fear of losing a loved one outweighs my fear about my own death. With the improvements in artificial intelligence in recent years, I became fascinated with the idea of preserving a loved one’s consciousness in a digital form that can go on forever. This brings up a host of philosophical questions: Is it moral to defy nature’s course? Would it taint the grieving process or provide solace? Is what’s left over really them? Or is it just a false echo… a comforting lie?
On the filmmaking process surprises
It was a pleasant surprise to see how closely the cast and crew connected with the story’s themes and then channeled that emotional resonance into their areas of expertise. We set out with the ambitious goal of portraying Renee’s transformation from “warm to cool” as the narrative progressed. This shift, reflected in everything from vibrant, warm tones to the chilly, machine-like nature of the Ripple, reached across every department: cinematography, wardrobe, makeup, color timing, and more.
On a moment that feels uniquely his
I don’t believe these are moments that only I could have made, but my passion for setups and payoffs runs deep– and this film is rich with them. There’s a four-minute, dialogue-free sequence composed entirely of repeated shots that capture the passage of time as we grow with this loving family. The final fight echoes the sparring match from the cold open.
"The toughest part for me was deciding to move forward to the next setup after only capturing one or two takes."
On independent filmmaking
I think one of the biggest strengths of independent filmmaking is the creative freedom. It allows you to take bold risks and trust your instincts without layers of approval or red tape getting in the way. With this film, I was the studio. I had the final say on what mattered creatively, which gave me the freedom to focus on what I felt was essential.
On being selected for HollyShorts
It's truly an honor and a privilege to be selected for HollyShorts. I'm incredibly excited to be part of such a prestigious and dynamic festival that champions bold, original storytelling. Being included alongside so many talented filmmakers is both humbling and inspiring.
BTS shot from One Last Round
Cast & Crew
- Jake McDorman as Joe Don Beckett, known for his roles in "Mrs. Davis," "Watchmen," and "Limitless."
- Ana Cruz Kayne as Renee Beckett, recently seen in "Barbie" and "Painkiller."
- Grace Jenkins as Tana Beckett from "Deep Water."
- Kor Adana, writer/director/producer, a former teenage hacker turned writer for "Mr. Robot" and "The Acolyte."
- Producers: Nick Geisler, Harris Kauffman, Bennett Cordon
For more about the film, check out the trailer below.
