Can I Get a Witness?

In this animation-fueled, alternate world, speculative fiction drama co-starring Sandra Oh (“Last Night,” Killing Eve), teenagers are tasked with sketching art of people fulfilling their utopia’s ultimate requirement: ending their lives when they reach the age of 50 to maintain the planet’s ecological equilibrium.   In the near-future—where human life ends at 50—climate change is mitigated, global poverty is eradicated, and all species on the planet live in relative peace and equality. A gifted artist and fresh out of school, Kiahlives at home with her doting mother, Ellie. It’s Kiah’s first day as a Documentor—a witness who draws End-of-Life (EOL) protocols for the New World Order. Ellie, an ex-Documentor herself, tries to prepare her daughter for the job, but Kiah is not receptive. When Daniel, Kiah’s mentor, shows up at the door, he is upbeat, practical, and has a personal history that makes him wise beyond his years. Under Daniel’s no-nonsense instruction, she sketches her first set of EOL drawings of the 50-year-olds who stoically repress their feelings—remembering a world where medicine, infrastructure, and money kept people alive upwards of 90. But now everyone is committed to this new global expiry date. Or are they? Back at home, Ellie is getting her own things in order and wants Kiah to know that true planetary equality—the cause she fought so hard for as a youth—is worth dying for.   Content Warning: This film contains material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.