Watch: Too Many Clones in Clever Sci-Fi Short ‘Variations on a Theme’
by Alex Billington
June 17, 2024
Source: YouTube
“How do we contain this?” What do you do when more & more clones don’t stop replicating? Here’s a clever sci-fi short film to enjoy that’s now online to watch. Variations on a Theme is an 8-minute sci-fi short by filmmaker Peter Collins Campbell, about a couple that has started splitting into copies of themselves. It was filmed in Chicago and screened at various festivals in the last year, including at Overlook, Beyond Fest, Fantaspoa, Grimmfest, Seattle, Popcorn Frights, and plenty others. A couple has begun physically splitting into many different versions of themselves, and must investigate an uncomfortable mutation. “I’m getting really tired of breaking the news that we already exist to copies of ourselves.” This stars Sophia Dunn-Walker as Sam and Peter Collins Campbell as Mark. Reminds of Primer as a smart lo-fi sci-fi concept, keeping it fast-paced coming in under 8 minutes while providing plenty to think about within the narrative.
Thanks to Short of the Week for the tip on this one. Here’s the original intro to the film from YouTube: “A couple has mysteriously begun to split into many copies of themselves as a new mutation destabilizes their world even further.” Variations on a Theme is a short film written and directed by indie filmmaker Peter Collins Campbell based in Brooklyn – you can see more of his work on his Vimeo page or visit his official website or follow him on IG @pccfilms. He also directed the feature film Dimland which premiered in 2021. Variations is based on a story by Sophia Dunn-Walker and Peter Collins Campbell. It’s produced by Mylissa Fitzsimmons and Chantel Chavon. With cinematography by Brandon Hoeg, and music by Tyler Rydosz. This initially premiered at the 2023 Overlook & Chicago Film Festivals last year, and it was filmed on location in Chicago. For more on the film, visit SOTW or Peter’s Vimeo. To discover more shorts, click here. Thoughts?
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