A little bit of body horror, a little bit of sci-fi creepiness, and a goldmine of social commentary, so plainspoken that to recount the thematic content is largely equivalent to detailing the plot: The "sanctity of life" to be upheld at all costs, even when it's forced through an act of violence, unwanted, and unsafe for the host. The refusal of even friends and family to acknowledge the violence visited upon the victim, or their agency, or the wrongdoing of the perpetrator. Shaming and blaming of the victim, and the total lack of accountability for the person that committed the assault. Religious, cultural, legal codification of the perversely hypocritical, so-called "pro-life" stance, and even of the victimization itself - and condemnation (even by medical professionals) of anyone who would run foul of it.
'Progeny' is a superb slice of sci-fi horror with outstanding makeup, blood, gore, and other visual creations, anchored with solid performances from everyone in the cast. Yet like so many genre classics we're all familiar with at least in passing, the true visceral shock of the narrative is that it represents only the slightest deviation from real life. If it's not clear enough already: the short is a vivid reflection of the sickening "debate" about abortion rights, reproductive freedom, and bodily autonomy, and the effort to strip away all rights of a pregnant person the moment there's a possibility that they could bear new life. The only meaningful difference is that these 26 minutes of fiction center men as victims in the sociopolitical spotlight, and not women.
Rare is the sci-fi or horror short film that so effectively embraces its genre elements while concretely, emphatically firing a broadside at dangerous social norms, and the terrible people who would uphold them. I didn't know that's what I would get as I began watching, but the result is truly outstanding, and frankly an important view for all comers. Much well deserved credit to director Justin Daering and co-writer Kenda Greenwood, their cast, and everyone in the crew who helped to bring 'Progeny' to fruition: This is an exquisite, biting short film, worth far more than the time it takes to watch.
'Progeny' is a superb slice of sci-fi horror with outstanding makeup, blood, gore, and other visual creations, anchored with solid performances from everyone in the cast. Yet like so many genre classics we're all familiar with at least in passing, the true visceral shock of the narrative is that it represents only the slightest deviation from real life. If it's not clear enough already: the short is a vivid reflection of the sickening "debate" about abortion rights, reproductive freedom, and bodily autonomy, and the effort to strip away all rights of a pregnant person the moment there's a possibility that they could bear new life. The only meaningful difference is that these 26 minutes of fiction center men as victims in the sociopolitical spotlight, and not women.
Rare is the sci-fi or horror short film that so effectively embraces its genre elements while concretely, emphatically firing a broadside at dangerous social norms, and the terrible people who would uphold them. I didn't know that's what I would get as I began watching, but the result is truly outstanding, and frankly an important view for all comers. Much well deserved credit to director Justin Daering and co-writer Kenda Greenwood, their cast, and everyone in the crew who helped to bring 'Progeny' to fruition: This is an exquisite, biting short film, worth far more than the time it takes to watch.
