“Something Real”: When Love, Lies, and Tech Collide

Two films that consistently hit me right in the gut are Her and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. What makes them resonate so deeply? They both zero in on the human urge to sidestep pain, to bail on the inevitable mess of loss, heartache, and flat-out rejection. Something Real, which just premiered at Tribeca, slips right into that lineage, diving headfirst into how, even in a world bursting with advanced tech, we’re still terrified of the most analog thing imaginable: vulnerability.

A Technological Confession

Directed and co-written by Tamara Shogaolu, Something Real paints an intimate picture of what happens when two people, with a little help from technology, are forced to really see themselves and each other. Sasheer Zamata steps into the role of Dax, opposite Tommy Dewey’s Beau. They’re playing versions of themselves, caught in a relationship that unravels over what begins as a romantic dinner. The premise itself is fertile ground, immediately drawing you into the discomfort of a necessary, tech-assisted unveiling. While the film sets up the technological aid as a catalyst, its true brilliance lies in quickly shifting focus from the sci-fi gimmick to the deeply human drama unfolding.

Shogaolu’s Lens: Intimacy and Distance

Shogaolu sets a quiet, almost soothing atmosphere. There’s a gentle, often awkward humor that feels instantly recognizable, just like those real-life conversations we all dread. Through carefully framed side shots, she initially carves out a physical space between Dax and Beau, only to collapse it with tight close-ups that show some of the nervous twitches, every sense of discomfort, every hint of longing. And trust me, on a second watch, those micro-moments, the nervous fidgets, the tightening jaws, the barely perceptible shifts in posture, are what stand out the most. However, for all its visual acuity, the short format, while impactful, does leave one wishing for more time to inhabit these carefully constructed spaces. 

Zamata and Dewey’s Raw Chemistry

Zamata and Dewey share a chemistry that feels utterly lived-in, selling the entire premise. They genuinely feel like a couple who care for each other, perhaps even more than they fully grasp. Their conversation drifts from jokes to confessions, ultimately landing in a place that’s completely unguarded. It’s right there that Something Real unleashes its core: honesty might be terrifying, but it’s also the sole path to clarity, to freedom. Without their believable rapport, the clever concept would fall flat. They navigate the script’s balance of humor and emotion with an impressive naturalism that makes you forget you’re watching a sci-fi short.

Vulnerability in a Digitized World

For all its sleek, near-future polish, the story itself is achingly human. Shogaolu’s biggest win here is her potent reminder: no matter how many gadgets we invent to skirt around difficult feelings, there’s simply no substitute for confronting them head-on. It’s messy, it’s awkward, and it’s the only way through. The film’s message is clear and a timely commentary on our increasing reliance on digital facades. 

Beyond the Short: A Feature Film’s Promise

At just under 15 minutes, Something Real is a concise film that tackles massive questions about truth, self-delusion, and whether technology helps us face ourselves or just hide more effectively. It belongs to that thoughtful canon of speculative romances unafraid to probe our emotional blind spots. And like the best of them, it prompts. Honestly, my only critique? It feels like a compelling proof of concept for a larger story. I’d love to see it expanded into a full feature that explores the tech’s origins in greater depth, its ripple effects on society, and the messy, yet beautiful, aftermath for couples like Dax and Beau. Let’s hope that Something Real gets the feature it deserves. Meanwhile, check out https://www.adoatopictures.com/ for more updates.