Planet I.X. is a science fiction short film directed by Jessica Coro. The film is a revenge drama centred around the character of the young phenom Zafira and her quest to avenge her father’s death, who was murdered by the powerful warlock Azuza. Zafira succeeds in kidnapping Azuza’s son Darius in a plot to get information on Azuza and lure him in so she can revenge.
The film has a runtime of approximately 10 minutes. The project worked on a budget of $19,000 which is a large number for an independent short film. This is mainly due to the appealing visual effects, costume, and set designs that are at the forefront of this cinematic experience. The film commences with a voice over narration of Zafira telling the tale of her father’s murder, setting up the drama which will ensue. She stands over a futuristic city skyline, telling audiences about the powerful potion her father invented to control people, which in the wrong hands of a tyrant like Azuza, can be used as a lethal weapon. There are only two options, success or death—the thrill is on!
Zafira’s character is portrayed on the screen by the strong performance of LA-based actress
Shae Rodriguez. Her background in the physical art-forms of dance and gymnastics may have a strong covert influence in her performance, as her posture and action moves seem natural and impressive. The character demands a heavy emotional weight to be lifted by the Rodriguez. Zafira is revengeful yes, but she is also a good being at the core, and in constant conflict with what she has to accomplish personally in order to save society.
The plot comes with a fascinating and unexpected twist. Darius, with the subtle performance of Issac Andrade turns against his father and helps Zafira put an end to Azuza’s evil spell. This action-packed sequence featuring the face-off will ensure a rush of thrill and suspense as the director’s effective use of visual effects paired with the physicality of the performances work their magic to capture our imaginations.
As with every great story, there lies the themes of love and tragedy, and the battle between good and evil. The ending brings us to question how far we are willing to go for the sake of virtue—would we be willing to sell out on family in return for moral justice? Are willing to overlook familial hatreds and resentments in the face of love like the likes of Romeo and Juliet?
Does love conquer violence and will virtue outlast greed? These are themes and questions that Plant I.X. deals with while keeping us on the edge of our seats.
The film does contain elements of gore and bloodshed which may not be suitable for the faint of heart, but definitely entertaining for those who possess an itch for such imagery. The make-up and special effects are absolutely on-point and this film ticks off every checkmark to be considered a professional production worthy of praise. The lighting of the film consists mostly of a beautiful blue scheme that adds to the film’s fantasy setting. Daniel Hernandez music composition and sound design adds to the mood, creating futuristic sounds and thrilling tracks to help drive the visual journey forward. The film’s name may stem from Planet Nine, which is a hypothetical planet outside of our solar system that is an area of scientific debate regarding its existence.
Jessica Coro has a bright future ahead of her. With the right exposure and the proper support, the sky’s the limit for this young director born in Guatemala with a BFA in filmmaking from LA. Coro has a knack for creating music videos. A fascinating project of hers features a Los Angeles based band Drowsy, for their song titled “Lapsing”. You can see and feel the visual similarities in the two projects (music video and Planet I.X., as Coro’s well-intended colour schemes and lighting style are a signature of her own.
The film won for the genre of best fantasy in the Cyrus International Film Festival of Toronto, and best Sci-Fi in the New York International Film Awards in 2020.
By: Darida Rose
2020. UniversalCinema Mag.