Killing Time at Home (2003) User Reviews

Building friendship

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 30 July 2016]

"Killing Time at Home" is a 3-minute animated short film from 2003, so this one is already almost 15 years old. It is the only work (accordig to IMDb) by British filmmaker Neil Coslett, which is quite a pity as this was a decent watch, especially for a first-time movie. It is the story of a man/boy who has no friends, but orders one via mail. Like I wrote in the title of this review, he really decides to build a friend to spend time with him. The new friend is fairly intelligent I must say after seeing him play games with the one who ordered him. Sadly, their ways part quickly and there is a big plot twist at the end. Looking at it more precisely, I must say that this was a very sad film actually, for everybody involved, but hey at least the friends have each other at the very end don't they? even if they are very much in the loop here. I recommend checking it out and I hope to see Coslett return to filmmaking at some point.

Very powerful, very stylish and very imaginative

[bob the moo · 14 November 2003]

With nothing to do in his life, a man sits in his empty house and orders a disposable friend to keep him amused. The friend arrives and is grown and the two have fun, however will it be a permanent arrangement?

The first of the 2003 Blackwatch short animations, this was the most powerful although not the most enjoyable. I think it will depend on your own life whether or not this has an impact on you or just passes as entertainment. For me I know that I can be a selfish shut in who doesn't put as much work into keeping friends as I should (and partners in fact). As such (and I think many men are like this) I will put work into things (relationships) that are new but let the work fall away as I get comfortable. I have hurt friends in the way I will be offhand with them but suddenly perk up when I see something, in their words, `shiny and new'.

So this short attacks and challenges me on a character flaw I'm all too aware I have to fight on a daily basis. Even without that direct relation, this is still a good short, but with it it is very impacting. The animation is very cool and the backgrounds are very detailed with the scenary being well designed (even if it is empty). The music really makes the short and you can feel the emotion in the swelling soundtrack. The final image is powerful and very moving.

Although it will depend on what you want to take from it, but even without this you gotta give credit for a 3 minute film which manages to be quite as meaningful and impacting as this one is. The opening shot for the 2003 Blackwatch series of shorts and one that is a perfect example of why I love this production company!

Sad Commentary on Us

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 8 July 2019]

A lonely looking little man goes on his computer screen to purchase and artificial companion. All but one have been purchased, so he buys the last available. He gets it up and going and the two of them have a wonderful time. Eventually, a time comes for the man to keep the thing or dispose of it. The conclusion is quite interesting.