In a not-too-distant future where humanity has solved its greatest crises, there remains one unsettling rule: to preserve the planet, every person must end their life at 50, with teenage artists tasked with the difficult assignment of documenting humanity’s ultimate sacrifice. On her first day as an official witness, Kiah, along with her co-worker Daniel, must navigate the emotional complexities of these duties, all while her mother Ellie prepares for her own mandated departure.

Director Ann Marie Fleming delivers a hauntingly serene portrayal of a low-tech, emotionally charged future, revealing a dystopian world of grief, societal responsibility, and the ethical complexities of survival through a deceptively simple style. With a deft combination of nuanced performances, rich dialogue, gentle pacing and a minimalist score, the film draws the viewer into a contemplative journey about life, death, and humanity’s willingness to sacrifice time itself for a sustainable future.

Massimo Iannetti