When Mom left him, Dad camped lonely and sad in this forest for months. There he met the equally lonely alien and they became good friends over time. One day Dad asked his friend to help him somehow to reconnect with the children. Alien had a brilliant idea with a little drama and it worked.
Brilliant, that would answer my inside voice asking how is it he didn’t get killed! It would explain why he was also allowed to leave there by the secret forces, maybe he was stuck but able to strike a deal to live there, hunting instead of decaying and eventually dying in a secret government facility. And I loved that the father bonded deeply and in a unique way with his children, great story creators.
@@kukulcangod1 as a note for how he didn’t get killed, I interpreted the way we didn’t see the fight scene and him (dad) being referred to as the specimen suggest that the alien disposed of the father and morphed into him / some parasitic form of control, also explaining how he appeared by his kids again so soon after we could hear the noises of the fight quite far away.
typical of kids - didn't look at the fact he'd just done it again. Never mind he endangered them, taking them into a defense dept restricted zone.. kids are so easy.
But there is every chance they won't make it out of the park. Action was "initiated" because they had close contact with the specimen. They'll disappear forever.
Shhhhhj! Just. Stay. Quiet. *Immediately speaks* XD I love how he didnt Immediately freak out or become hostile, he was mesmerized by this new entity. The awe and wonder on his face as he started communicating with. Lovely
No matter how many times I see this , I still enjoy it ! And right at the end , to top it all off , is the ranger . This man is the real deal . He ratchets up this little film into suspend your disbelief reality . The whole cast is terrific ! Why the Brits leave sci-fi to Doctor Who , which is crap , I don't know . This story and script tells us that Britain can do sci-fi motion pictures if left out of the hands of people like Moffatt and Russell T Davies . Come on , Britain ! I know we Aussies can't do it . But you can ! Let's have a sci-fi feature film that will save the genre from Disney and the Woke ! Many thanks to the makers of this film and DUST !
@@jv-lk7bc I can't imagine how my analysis of the film upset you but It clearly struck a nerve. I hope you get some help with your issues and find some serenity.
I cant believe that no one seemed to notice the news article at the start about meteorites raining down on Horsell Common. That is the start of the classic "War of the worlds" by H G Wells. So despite the stereotypes, there had to be an alien in it. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing it 😄
This urgently requires a part two, if not an entire series or feature length film. _'Specimen'_ struck me as something akin to Dr Smith's metamorphosis in the '98 _'Lost In Space'_ movie...gangly, chitinous, intelligent and very dangerous. Kudos to everyone involved, you did a terrific job!, 👏👏👏
One thing I've noticed about sci-fi movies is heavy emphasis on aliens as predators. If the universe is diverse, some aliens will be boring, some delightful, and some will be militarized colonizers (like Europeans).
By the power vested in my imaginary authority, failure to make an on going series out of this will be punishable. Kidding aside, THIS WAS MAGNIFICANT!! Its as good if not better than anything from hollywood.
@@ajspinks268 i mean atleast in the sense, that it wouldnt be just another "hide&seek slasher" movie i hope! this alien seemed more "misunderstood & curious" then anything.... wich would be a good baseline!
Men is the only Human who is always ready for help and always ready to save someone else's life at anytime even he is in danger then also he helps other people. Respect Men 🙏 🙏❤️❤️.
Thank you so much John! We're writing the longer and more detailed story for our full vision now and we hope to be able to bring it to screens sometime! I'm thrilled you connected with our story!
A monster brings father and kids together. I wonder why so many families waste their money on therapy. Another Doris Day/Brady bunch movie that is further away from reality than the giant bug itself. The movie itself was very professional and everybody before and behind the camera did a great job.
Great monster design and animation. 👍 My issues with the script are : - the lack of fear. Who would stay in the woods overnight? - the meteor shower announcement vs the way the lone park ranger handling such a momentous event. - the old old old sign vs the sudden extraterrestrial arrival...
@@ajspinks268 you’re welcome. I loved it! I was at the edge of my seat when the father was trying to communicate with the creature. I was so worried for him!
@@GDeNofa I wonder why communication failed though... "The specimen" was extremely intelligent, more so than most of earth's animals, at least as intelligent as a Chimpanzee unless i misunderstood what happened there, and yet the communication went nowhere. Usually, you have better luck communicating with a grizzly bear, even though the bear is very clearly less intelligent and often feeling both afraid and slightly aggressive to start with. The motivation for the attack on the father remained unclear unless i missed something. It clearly wasn't predatory because it did not even attempt to eat the father. It clearly wasn't defensive either because the father neither took a menacing stance nor was the attack initially directed at him but rather at the campsite gear. Though the specimen was clearly extraordinarily curious (reminded me a bit of a Kea - before its behaviour got out of hand and turned into a spree), the extreme violence couldn't well be explained by curiosity alone. What leaves us with...? No idea, really. Yes, wild animals are dangerous and their behaviour may at times be hard to predict. But at least in retrospect, it is usually possible to find an explanation for their behaviour. Should be no different for an alien animal, shouldn't it? While i loved the character development of the human actors, i feel character development of the aliens could use a bit of work still! 👾😉 (edit: only fixed a typo)
That’s okay, I think that sometimes, although we see humans as the good guys because that’s what we are, in reality that’s not always the case. Is that part of what you were trying to portray to the audience?
Brilliant. Good CGI. Good acting. Good location. Good story. I would really enjoy seeing either more of this story or maybe spin-offs. Why is only one like allowed?
Never ever allow any passenger to ride with their feet up on the dash, simply because if the airbag goes off in a collision, their knees will impact their face & jaw in what can be best described as a shattering experience!
As much as I really liked the story and the acting on the whole, I could not help but find the premise of the father somehow being in the wrong for not being nice about his wife leaving him for another woman! Have I miraculously crossed into a different universe where some morals and ethics are confused and in reverse? Not sure why you made such a strange inclusion?
Yeah that confused me a bit. The woman he thought loved him actually loved someone else, broke his heart, and it's his fault? Maybe it want conveyed well but that was the takeaway I got from that.
Being left by the one you love is hard, but there are different ways of reacting to that. Some are OK, some are not. He appearenty did something stupid and mean. His ex and the daugther clearly remember and has not forgiven him. The son is younger and does not remember. He doesn't seem to have forgiven himself. The details doesn't really matter as the important part is just that there is conflict.
@@stighemmer I would argue details are important to a degree. Otherwise we have confusion like this. They don't have ti give the life story but some well timed pieces of dialogue would work. Even just a sentence or two. But the information we did get, and the manner in which it was conveyed, left a very confusing effect behind.
The movie hints at him having done something to cause it, he mentions "messing up badly" and how their mother was very angry. My guess would be alcoholism, there seems to be an entire lateral subplot where the incident is metaphorical for facing his "demons" and regaining the trust of his family. The creature, which he saw after drinking, seemed to recognize him almost, and not pose a threat directly but instead signal to him that it wanted his kids (he understood it and went to warn them) - that could imply a realization that his problem would take his children away from him as it had his wife, and needing to do something about it. Though at the same time the plot algo goes in a pretty literal direction, that sort of ambivalency is probably my main criticism with this one. Pretty good overall though.
Very well done, you deserve to be proud of your production. Well acted with relevant family interaction. It shows that family will come together in times of crisis.
Okay...going my usual response of just allowing myself to be entertained and going on to the next movie, or whatever, this one deserves a few comments. To begin with, I'm not sure if it was on Dust; however, I've actually seen this film previously, maybe a couple of years ago and must say, it was just as good the second time around. The story, production, cinematography and CGI were all top of the line, so kudos to all concerned with the filming and production. Have to admit, the actress playing the teen daughter, also someone I've seen in at least 2-3 other movies, was perfect in her role. Your entity, whether some type of ET, or perhaps, a human creation was the highlight. IMHO, it was anything but a malevolent creature and I'm of the opinion, the main reason it ended up going somewhat ballistic, was the frustration it must have felt in not being able to communicate further than imitating the human it encountered; had it been otherwise, with it's size and a formidable array of body armor/weaponry, it could have easily killed the "punt" human creatures. It's reaction was more like a frustrated child (or adult), unable to contain it's emotions and lashing out. Only thing I'll add is that, like many here, a sequel would be really cool...thank you!
Great work!! You managed to fit in great back story, character development and a really good story in 20 minutes, something most full time movies can not do these days. Kudos to acting, kids were really, really believable. Last, but not the least, camera work was truly outstanding. Framing, motion with the action, keeping it really simple and letting the story run the show, I am really impressed. This "old school" type of production is so much better than any "Michael Bay" kind of rubbish Hollywood spews out. I honestly could not fault anything in this short film. Great production. I wish all the luck in your future movies, not that you will need it by the looks of this one.
@@ajspinks268 I second the vote calling for a sequel lol! An excellent job all around and the open ended ending has left me needing to see what happens next, very well told and what an interesting creature "the specimen" is! :)
Sci-fi short - comments by Jan Beware of spoilers! The Encounter At Boundless by Adam Spinks Plot: Man trying to find out peace with his kids and with his soul? The plot is very good, no holes, there is actual story, even several story lines, and every of the line is told without substantial things missing. Good work! Negatives: 1) one small thing with logic: such an area would be probably guarded more heavily (unless somebody wants people to go there???) Positives: 1) whole movie looks really good; 2) acting; 3) scene setting, the wood, and yes, even the shots with landscape are well used and they put into a story; 4) CGI used just enough; 5) the “british-ness” of it all Personal note: I don’t say it often, but I want more! Summary: Very good short, worth watching, worth more of everything
I liked this! English (UK) woodland is inherently safe. The preteen boy and teenage girl were portrayed perfectly; with their usual squabbles. This is the best sort of sci-fi; what if a government agency was keeping some alien or mutant lifeform in a restricted area? The real story is how the danger reunited the children with their father. BTW, Ponds in relatively lifeless British pine forests are poor fisheries - I have tried!
@@valdemaar3000 can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic? We wanted to reflect that this is linked to a global or potentially global issue that transcends borders!
@@ajspinks268 I thought it's a bit awkward to see British surroundings and people and then an American ranger with American accent. Maybe I'm too attentive to details. All-in-all you, guys, are great!
slow start, but wait for it. ends up really good. nothing like a near death experience from an alien/creature to bring the family closer together. mom can eat her heart out as it's likely she'll never have that type of bond
I'm a big fan of taking time to build in all elements of a story, which I fear is becoming a lost art in filmmaking now - everything seems to happen all at once and I wanted to make sure when things did happen, the stakes and characters were established! Thanks for watching
A new twist on a classic tale but I felt it was very well done and especially the kids just being kids...perfect! Nice mix of a dad dealing with regret and trying to make amends. I enjoyed this short film and would like to see a continuation of this.
Wow, this is amazing good in all aspects! And that strange, weird big monster could NOT be a friendly monster! And I want to know how this short movie ends after the father and his 2 kids have spoken to that man in that wood! So please, make this a whole normal movie or long SF tv serie!
Wow! Thanks for your kind comments! We’re working hard on a few things and hopefully we’ll get to tell more of this story! Thrilled you enjoyed this one!
went fishing with my Pop a few years back. used to go every other day when they lived back home. We went out for about 8 hours didn't catch a thing, not even a bite. Would give anything to have that day again, sunburt as crap but a day on the water with Pop just to talk about nothing at all.
I appreciate all the films on DUST. Regardless of subject, or personal relevance. As always, thanks to all of the contributors! Well done, friends. What would benefit human society? And I’m biased, admittedly, take the got’dayum phones out of constant use by kids. I didn’t ever ever allow cellphone usage during family times, meals, movies, company, conversations...& my now 27 & 23 year old kiddos are damn fine adults. I understand teen angst. I was a mess myself. But this girl child woulda had her phone yanked and probably a bit of a swat for disrespect like this. 😠
I apologize if my 2nd statement came across as bitchy. It wasn’t meant to be that. But I stand by it. It’s not a jab at this film, but at what I consider true horror: kids & smartphones 😱 I’ve watched this twice-& it’s really good. Thank YOU & your team for the production. I’m excited to see more!
Another short that has more than enough material to expand into something bigger, enjoyed this! I thought the operative had a certain Idris Elba air to him, consider that a compliment.
A great little video. The alien encounter was a more of a side story for me. A man who has lost his Wife for another and a fragile relationship with his kids. 30 years ago the same happened to me but she didn't leave me for a woman. I was on a year long course and back every weekend. She went off with someone. But the bit that griped me more is this was when CSA first came out and they were screwing people. I had to work a second job at the weekend to make payment. I had the kids every other weekend. But then before the weekend she would change it to the next weekend knowing I couldn't as I had to work. Then a letter from the kids saying they didn't want to know me. I thought at 18 they would want to hear my side but she died. They only know her biased side to the story. Now they are permanently against me when I never went off the reservation. Fought through the Courts for the right to see them but she messed it up. Now I'm 60 and no contact. I am more than happy with my lot, a beautiful wife of 20 years. But for those who saw the subplot and can relate, never give up, it will get better. You will survive. I just wonder if the maker of this film pulled from his own experiences or was able to weave this in through brilliant plot line. To me this was less alien and more poor man betrayed and turns to the bottle and attempts to rebuild relationship with kids. You can see it on two levels. Tugged at the heart strings hence my diatribe. Never give up, they are yours too, no matter who has custody. Great little film. Congratulations.
Second time I watched this one. Well done. All around good short. Excellent job on the creature. Put me in mind of some of the creatures in the Steven King movie, The Mist. I don't think the guard and whoever, the military? will have to worry about them returning. Me? I'd seriously be tempted to investigate...but...no, that "thing" seems to not like visitors.
That was really good peace of film art work... loved the take on the creature not going crazy like you would expect.... Wonderful story ... Much love from New Zealand
Really well made, I just wish these films didn't always end on a cheesy cliffhanger like that. It's ok for a story to have a conclusion once in a while!
Incredible film short! Such a complete and wonderful story. I got a great sense of each other characters and their relationships to each other and the dad. Then throw in the scary monster horror and you have such a well stitched together movie. Even though it ended ,I want to see more. Id love to see how the story line would pick up after they get home with the Ex-wife and kinds and their "secret" I really look forward to more from this film team!
Unknown if the creature was alien or some kind of mutated experiment. Note to self: If you see a monstrous bug when camping in a restricted area, have your bug spray ready, and run away! It doesn't want to be your friend. It wants you to be its DINNER!!!
@@ajspinks268 I loved the film. It was well done. When I saw the warning sign, I thought, "This doesn't look like it's going to turn out to be a very safe camping site."
In light of that I'm confused. His wife commits adultery with another woman and he's the bad guy/father cause he can't deal with it !? I got so annoyed with the weirdness of that plot point that the story stopped making any sense to me after that.
@@philipm.4738 Yep. I guess that, in this awesome world we now live in, the father should consider himself blessed that his wife spurned him for a woman, and he should seek therapy for taking umbrage over the affair. In the end, everything is to be blamed on the white male. Lol
@@dartmart9263 it's just the story had a personal element for me. My wife left me ( for another guy) and left me to become the full time single parent of three young boys. I'm just blessed that I was surrounded by love and understanding in those around me, not judgement. That would have broken me even more than l already was. That's why I struggled with the flavour of the story plot.
Exactly! Welcome to the wonderful upside down world of Wokeism where good is bad and bad is good, and if you say you don't agree with any of it your labeled a bigot! In this film Dad is the bad guy because he's supposed to accept his wife cheating on him with a woman. I guess if it's with a woman it's okay cause she's being her "True" self.
Great acting by all involved, but the film as a whole seemed lacking. The part before the encounter was far too long, and the creature was cliched and far too revealed. It also served no purpose that it was alien. An encounter with a bear would have equally effective and would have fit better in the tone of the story.
A bear would be totally unrealistic! This set in the UK where there are no dangerous wild animals. Bears, lynx, wolves etc hunted to extinction a thousand years ago. Obviously, the writers wanted to build an atmosphere of a safe, family camping trip but the subplot is that the children become reunited with their absent father due to the encounter with danger.
I know its picky but putting up your feet on the dashboard has catastrophic consequences if the air bags deploy .Great short indeed its the second time I have come across this worth a rewatch indeed
12:32 so the way the creature Mimics him was cute but it tried to *speak* to him (turn captions on, it’ll say as such) also it seemed to like nod towards the kids’ tent like it was saying “go on, show them” or perhaps “can I see your kids??” Or something lol And!! It seemed to be peaceful until it got its head stuck under the tent
The area they camped in has a force that makes the bad things in a person manifest itself physically. Here it showed the man the looming danger of alcoholism after all the beers he drank.
As a new father I don’t know what I’d do if my teenage daughter acted that way towards me. I’d simply send her with her mother and take my son who is more happier to see me.
Ive never seen actual dynamics captured so well as a family: layered contempt and compromises, sidestepping the facts-of-narcissism and addressing image-maintenance-issue circuitously to afford narcissists their dignified-veil-of-illusion. Haven't I seen that creature in another live action short-film, where a soldier thought, he'd drop his weapon, reason with it quietly?
so excited to be sharing our film on Dust!
Wtf how is your comment posted one hour ago
Ikr
Ikr
Ikr
@Mr Wonder thanks so much for watching our film!
When Mom left him, Dad camped lonely and sad in this forest for months. There he met the equally lonely alien and they became good friends over time. One day Dad asked his friend to help him somehow to reconnect with the children. Alien had a brilliant idea with a little drama and it worked.
I like this backstory. It’s not our one but it’s great! Thanks for watching!
Brilliant, that would answer my inside voice asking how is it he didn’t get killed! It would explain why he was also allowed to leave there by the secret forces, maybe he was stuck but able to strike a deal to live there, hunting instead of decaying and eventually dying in a secret government facility.
And I loved that the father bonded deeply and in a unique way with his children, great story creators.
@@kukulcangod1 as a note for how he didn’t get killed, I interpreted the way we didn’t see the fight scene and him (dad) being referred to as the specimen suggest that the alien disposed of the father and morphed into him / some parasitic form of control, also explaining how he appeared by his kids again so soon after we could hear the noises of the fight quite far away.
Plot thickens
@@bertiesaurus Thats what I thought too and with a creature that big there would have been no fight only a slaughter
I like how the event brought the kids closer to their father.
Thanks so much! We wanted to explore that so I’m glad it came across
did you need example?🤭😂😬😜
typical of kids - didn't look at the fact he'd just done it again. Never mind he endangered them, taking them into a defense dept restricted zone.. kids are so easy.
But there is every chance they won't make it out of the park. Action was "initiated" because they had close contact with the specimen. They'll disappear forever.
Shhhhhj! Just. Stay. Quiet.
*Immediately speaks* XD
I love how he didnt Immediately freak out or become hostile, he was mesmerized by this new entity. The awe and wonder on his face as he started communicating with. Lovely
Or maybe he knew it was there, but had a change of heart last minute.
No matter how many times I see this , I still enjoy it ! And right at the end , to top it all off , is the ranger . This man is the real deal . He ratchets up this little film into suspend your disbelief reality . The whole cast is terrific ! Why the Brits leave sci-fi to Doctor Who , which is crap , I don't know . This story and script tells us that Britain can do sci-fi motion pictures if left out of the hands of people like Moffatt and Russell T Davies . Come on , Britain ! I know we Aussies can't do it . But you can ! Let's have a sci-fi feature film that will save the genre from Disney and the Woke ! Many thanks to the makers of this film and DUST !
Unique creature, good repair of family dynamics and menacing cover-up of extraterrestrial existence.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. I’m glad you enjoyed it
lets cover up dad's alcoholism & nearly getting his kids killed w/irresponsibility. a yes, lovely repair of family dynamics ... sigh.
@@jv-lk7bc I can't imagine how my analysis of the film upset you but It clearly struck a nerve. I hope you get some help with your issues and find some serenity.
@@jamesmorgan1063 he pointed out the wrong in youre analysis and now he needs help? Look in a mirror much pal?
@@kylemcweeny878 Microweeny, you can't spell but your name tells everything about your troll attributes. LOL.
Definitely needs a Sequel . " Confirmed contact with " The Specimen" , repeat Confirmed " . Quite chilling .
Excellent Short Film . Low key intro and incredibly TENSE climax .
Thanks John! Really appreciate you watching the film!
@@ajspinks268 . Thank YOU , for making it .
@Chickens and Gardening . Or Daddy turning into a " Spider from Mars " as well .
@Chickens and Gardening well I wouldn’t want to give too much away!
They wouldn't make it out of the park. They were tagged for a clean up after close contact with the specimen.
I cant believe that no one seemed to notice the news article at the start about meteorites raining down on Horsell Common. That is the start of the classic "War of the worlds" by H G Wells. So despite the stereotypes, there had to be an alien in it. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing it 😄
Thanks for checking us out!
@@queenpondue101 don't see. Listen
This urgently requires a part two, if not an entire series or feature length film.
_'Specimen'_ struck me as something akin to Dr Smith's metamorphosis in the '98 _'Lost In Space'_ movie...gangly, chitinous, intelligent and very dangerous.
Kudos to everyone involved, you did a terrific job!, 👏👏👏
Thank you very much!
@@ajspinks268
Just stating facts. 😂
One thing I've noticed about sci-fi movies is heavy emphasis on aliens as predators. If the universe is diverse, some aliens will be boring, some delightful, and some will be militarized colonizers (like Europeans).
By the power vested in my imaginary authority, failure to make an on going series out of this will be punishable.
Kidding aside, THIS WAS MAGNIFICANT!! Its as good if not better than anything from hollywood.
Thanks so much for your lovely words!
Indies are often way ahead of major studios.
This needs to be picked up and turned into a series! Amazing!
We’d love the opportunity to share our vision for where this goes and the world beyond this one! Thanks for watching
I agree!
just watch spielbergs "taken" ^^
@@mho... we did and we loved it but our series would be somewhat different!
@@ajspinks268 i mean atleast in the sense, that it wouldnt be just another "hide&seek slasher" movie i hope! this alien seemed more "misunderstood & curious" then anything.... wich would be a good baseline!
Men is the only Human who is always ready for help and always ready to save someone else's life at anytime even he is in danger then also he helps other people.
Respect Men 🙏 🙏❤️❤️.
That was everything I wanted in a movie and could easily be adapted into a film
Thank you so much John! We're writing the longer and more detailed story for our full vision now and we hope to be able to bring it to screens sometime! I'm thrilled you connected with our story!
Glad to see Adrian Annis in this...excellent
The man is a legend, we love him very much. Thank you for watching!
Wow!! I didnt want this to end!! Forgot it was only 22 minutes long!!! This was so good!!!
Thank you so much!!!
A monster brings father and kids together. I wonder why so many families waste their money on therapy. Another Doris Day/Brady bunch movie that is further away from reality than the giant bug itself. The movie itself was very professional and everybody before and behind the camera did a great job.
Wow! A video by Dust that I could follow, and actually understand! That special effect was fantastic - and pretty scary!
Thanks so much Mike!
Great monster design and animation. 👍
My issues with the script are :
- the lack of fear. Who would stay in the woods overnight?
- the meteor shower announcement vs the way the lone park ranger handling such a momentous event.
- the old old old sign vs the sudden extraterrestrial arrival...
thanks so much for your feedback - I'd encourage a rewatch
And all it took for the kids to reconnect with their dad was an eyeless cloverfield cryptid. ❤️
Thanks so much for watching!
@@ajspinks268 you’re welcome. I loved it! I was at the edge of my seat when the father was trying to communicate with the creature. I was so worried for him!
@@GDeNofa I wonder why communication failed though... "The specimen" was extremely intelligent, more so than most of earth's animals, at least as intelligent as a Chimpanzee unless i misunderstood what happened there, and yet the communication went nowhere. Usually, you have better luck communicating with a grizzly bear, even though the bear is very clearly less intelligent and often feeling both afraid and slightly aggressive to start with.
The motivation for the attack on the father remained unclear unless i missed something. It clearly wasn't predatory because it did not even attempt to eat the father. It clearly wasn't defensive either because the father neither took a menacing stance nor was the attack initially directed at him but rather at the campsite gear. Though the specimen was clearly extraordinarily curious (reminded me a bit of a Kea - before its behaviour got out of hand and turned into a spree), the extreme violence couldn't well be explained by curiosity alone. What leaves us with...? No idea, really. Yes, wild animals are dangerous and their behaviour may at times be hard to predict. But at least in retrospect, it is usually possible to find an explanation for their behaviour. Should be no different for an alien animal, shouldn't it?
While i loved the character development of the human actors, i feel character development of the aliens could use a bit of work still! 👾😉
(edit: only fixed a typo)
@@ajspinks268 Very good altogether. Much Respect! I studied Film & Broadcasting and Directed. Nice !
Ain't that always the way...
The alien seemed peaceful at first. Then the humans agitated it.
Indeed! That was our intention so I’m pleased that came across!! Thanks for watching
That’s okay, I think that sometimes, although we see humans as the good guys because that’s what we are, in reality that’s not always the case. Is that part of what you were trying to portray to the audience?
@@jboydayz most definately! A monster is only a monster because of perspective
Was it an alien or some kind of science experiment?
@@zethraelofteldrassil3149 it’s entirely up to you really… what do you think?
I can’t wait for the sequel or even a prequel!
We’re working hard to make that happen! Thanks for watching!
Absolutely terrific! And, I think that is the last we will be seeing that family.
Perhaps.. or maybe not! Thank you for watching our film!
Brilliant. Good CGI. Good acting. Good location. Good story. I would really enjoy seeing either more of this story or maybe spin-offs. Why is only one like allowed?
Very kind of you to say and thanks so much for taking the time to watch our film!
I just watched this great short! And yes, I want a sequel!!!! Please do it!
Thanks so much! We’re working on it!!!
@@ajspinks268 Excellent news!!! Thank you bro! Can´t wait!
Never ever allow any passenger to ride with their feet up on the dash, simply because if the airbag goes off in a collision, their knees will impact their face & jaw in what can be best described as a shattering experience!
So true! I'm glad I'm not the only one who was really bothered by that!
As much as I really liked the story and the acting on the whole, I could not help but find the premise of the father somehow being in the wrong for not being nice about his wife leaving him for another woman! Have I miraculously crossed into a different universe where some morals and ethics are confused and in reverse? Not sure why you made such a strange inclusion?
Yeah that confused me a bit. The woman he thought loved him actually loved someone else, broke his heart, and it's his fault?
Maybe it want conveyed well but that was the takeaway I got from that.
Being left by the one you love is hard, but there are different ways of reacting to that. Some are OK, some are not. He appearenty did something stupid and mean. His ex and the daugther clearly remember and has not forgiven him. The son is younger and does not remember. He doesn't seem to have forgiven himself. The details doesn't really matter as the important part is just that there is conflict.
@@stighemmer I would argue details are important to a degree. Otherwise we have confusion like this. They don't have ti give the life story but some well timed pieces of dialogue would work. Even just a sentence or two.
But the information we did get, and the manner in which it was conveyed, left a very confusing effect behind.
The other thing I found very unbelievable is that were still able to get mobile reception that far into the forest!
The movie hints at him having done something to cause it, he mentions "messing up badly" and how their mother was very angry. My guess would be alcoholism, there seems to be an entire lateral subplot where the incident is metaphorical for facing his "demons" and regaining the trust of his family. The creature, which he saw after drinking, seemed to recognize him almost, and not pose a threat directly but instead signal to him that it wanted his kids (he understood it and went to warn them) - that could imply a realization that his problem would take his children away from him as it had his wife, and needing to do something about it.
Though at the same time the plot algo goes in a pretty literal direction, that sort of ambivalency is probably my main criticism with this one. Pretty good overall though.
Very well done, you deserve to be proud of your production. Well acted with relevant family interaction. It shows that family will come together in times of crisis.
Thanks so much for watching!
Unfortunately NOT always in REAL TIME I know!
But in THIS SHORT MOVIE, happy yes!
Okay...going my usual response of just allowing myself to be entertained and going on to the next movie, or whatever, this one deserves a few comments. To begin with, I'm not sure if it was on Dust; however, I've actually seen this film previously, maybe a couple of years ago and must say, it was just as good the second time around. The story, production, cinematography and CGI were all top of the line, so kudos to all concerned with the filming and production. Have to admit, the actress playing the teen daughter, also someone I've seen in at least 2-3 other movies, was perfect in her role. Your entity, whether some type of ET, or perhaps, a human creation was the highlight. IMHO, it was anything but a malevolent creature and I'm of the opinion, the main reason it ended up going somewhat ballistic, was the frustration it must have felt in not being able to communicate further than imitating the human it encountered; had it been otherwise, with it's size and a formidable array of body armor/weaponry, it could have easily killed the "punt" human creatures. It's reaction was more like a frustrated child (or adult), unable to contain it's emotions and lashing out. Only thing I'll add is that, like many here, a sequel would be really cool...thank you!
Oops...sorry for the few typos; I was too lazy to proof read my entrry.
Thanks so much for watching our film and for your feedback! I’m thrilled you loved it
Great work!! You managed to fit in great back story, character development and a really good story in 20 minutes, something most full time movies can not do these days. Kudos to acting, kids were really, really believable. Last, but not the least, camera work was truly outstanding. Framing, motion with the action, keeping it really simple and letting the story run the show, I am really impressed. This "old school" type of production is so much better than any "Michael Bay" kind of rubbish Hollywood spews out. I honestly could not fault anything in this short film. Great production. I wish all the luck in your future movies, not that you will need it by the looks of this one.
Thank you so very much for this lovely comment! I’m glad you connected with our characters and story!
wow need a part 2 straight away please DUST has some great shorties but waiting for the next one takes forever
Thanks so much Allison!
This is truly an incredible masterpiece! The creature is magnificent! When is the sequel coming?!!! ✨👽✨
We’d love to make a sequel!!! Hopefully we can make that happen
@@ajspinks268 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
💚💛💙🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
@@ajspinks268 hopefully! Let's all keep our fingers crossed that this happens as soon as possible 🤞👽🤞
@@ajspinks268 I second the vote calling for a sequel lol! An excellent job all around and the open ended ending has left me needing to see what happens next, very well told and what an interesting creature "the specimen" is! :)
@@thisisdavid2 thank you for your kind words!
Sci-fi short - comments by Jan
Beware of spoilers!
The Encounter At Boundless by Adam Spinks
Plot: Man trying to find out peace with his kids and with his soul? The plot is very good, no holes, there is actual story, even several story lines, and every of the line is told without substantial things missing. Good work!
Negatives: 1) one small thing with logic: such an area would be probably guarded more heavily (unless somebody wants people to go there???)
Positives: 1) whole movie looks really good; 2) acting; 3) scene setting, the wood, and yes, even the shots with landscape are well used and they put into a story; 4) CGI used just enough; 5) the “british-ness” of it all
Personal note: I don’t say it often, but I want more!
Summary: Very good short, worth watching, worth more of everything
Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to offer your thoughts! Thrilled you liked it
It has been awhile I've not not watched something like this. Thank you, DUST! 🙏
Thanks so much for watching our movie!!!
This short should be made into a full length movie, this one being just the start of
somthing much bigger. Please do it.
Appreciate the kind words! We’re writing something now!
I liked this! English (UK) woodland is inherently safe. The preteen boy and teenage girl were portrayed perfectly; with their usual squabbles. This is the best sort of sci-fi; what if a government agency was keeping some alien or mutant lifeform in a restricted area? The real story is how the danger reunited the children with their father. BTW, Ponds in relatively lifeless British pine forests are poor fisheries - I have tried!
Thanks for watching Alan! Thrilled you like it!
British pines and an American ranger. So authentic)))
@@valdemaar3000 can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic? We wanted to reflect that this is linked to a global or potentially global issue that transcends borders!
@@ajspinks268 I thought it's a bit awkward to see British surroundings and people and then an American ranger with American accent. Maybe I'm too attentive to details. All-in-all you, guys, are great!
@@valdemaar3000 The actor playing the ranger is a well-known actor in British television. He had a recurring role in the series "Peepshow."
I loved it and want to see more.
What an unexpectedly mature film. This is great work! Actors, directors, writers, and producers!
Nothing like a Kaiju attack to ruin your camping trip. Good film, we want more.
Indeed! We’re hoping to make some more!
I'll be sure to watch for it. ✌️🖖
this so needs to be picked up and made into a series.
Fingers crossed we can make that happen!
slow start, but wait for it. ends up really good. nothing like a near death experience from an alien/creature to bring the family closer together. mom can eat her heart out as it's likely she'll never have that type of bond
I'm a big fan of taking time to build in all elements of a story, which I fear is becoming a lost art in filmmaking now - everything seems to happen all at once and I wanted to make sure when things did happen, the stakes and characters were established! Thanks for watching
A new twist on a classic tale but I felt it was very well done and especially the kids just being kids...perfect! Nice mix of a dad dealing with regret and trying to make amends. I enjoyed this short film and would like to see a continuation of this.
Thank you for watching and for leaving us your comment and thoughts! Glad you dug it
Yes, this needs to be continued
@@GWsavedMYlife thanks so much for your kind words!
More! More! Really good 👍
Thanks so much!
❤🎬🙏
Ah, yes... I remember what they taught us in film school: "a story has a beginning, and possibly the beginning of a middle."
Wow, this is amazing good in all aspects!
And that strange, weird big monster could NOT be a friendly monster!
And I want to know how this short movie ends after the father and his 2 kids have spoken to that man in that wood!
So please, make this a whole normal movie or long SF tv serie!
Wow! Thanks for your kind comments! We’re working hard on a few things and hopefully we’ll get to tell more of this story! Thrilled you enjoyed this one!
5:35 NICE!! That was a good cast!!
Thoroughly enjoyed that. Great acting, well-written characters, awesome creature.
Thanks so much for your kind words!
@@ajspinks268 I look forward to seeing more of your work in future.
went fishing with my Pop a few years back. used to go every other day when they lived back home. We went out for about 8 hours didn't catch a thing, not even a bite. Would give anything to have that day again, sunburt as crap but a day on the water with Pop just to talk about nothing at all.
Thanks so much for sharing this story, wonderful
I appreciate all the films on DUST. Regardless of subject, or personal relevance. As always, thanks to all of the contributors! Well done, friends.
What would benefit human society? And I’m biased, admittedly, take the got’dayum phones out of constant use by kids. I didn’t ever ever allow cellphone usage during family times, meals, movies, company, conversations...& my now 27 & 23 year old kiddos are damn fine adults. I understand teen angst. I was a mess myself. But this girl child woulda had her phone yanked and probably a bit of a swat for disrespect like this. 😠
thanks so much for watching our film and for supporting our hard working team!
I apologize if my 2nd statement came across as bitchy. It wasn’t meant to be that. But I stand by it. It’s not a jab at this film, but at what I consider true horror: kids & smartphones 😱
I’ve watched this twice-& it’s really good. Thank YOU & your team for the production. I’m excited to see more!
@@danabana8121 it didn’t at all!
Another short that has more than enough material to expand into something bigger, enjoyed this!
I thought the operative had a certain Idris Elba
air to him, consider that a compliment.
Winston has mega presence that’s for sure
A great little video. The alien encounter was a more of a side story for me. A man who has lost his Wife for another and a fragile relationship with his kids. 30 years ago the same happened to me but she didn't leave me for a woman. I was on a year long course and back every weekend. She went off with someone. But the bit that griped me more is this was when CSA first came out and they were screwing people. I had to work a second job at the weekend to make payment. I had the kids every other weekend. But then before the weekend she would change it to the next weekend knowing I couldn't as I had to work. Then a letter from the kids saying they didn't want to know me. I thought at 18 they would want to hear my side but she died. They only know her biased side to the story. Now they are permanently against me when I never went off the reservation. Fought through the Courts for the right to see them but she messed it up. Now I'm 60 and no contact. I am more than happy with my lot, a beautiful wife of 20 years. But for those who saw the subplot and can relate, never give up, it will get better. You will survive. I just wonder if the maker of this film pulled from his own experiences or was able to weave this in through brilliant plot line. To me this was less alien and more poor man betrayed and turns to the bottle and attempts to rebuild relationship with kids. You can see it on two levels. Tugged at the heart strings hence my diatribe. Never give up, they are yours too, no matter who has custody. Great little film. Congratulations.
thanks so much for sharing this story Chris and thanks for taking the time to watch our movie!
To Christ. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad that you're now happy with your wife.
🤯❤ Excellent!!
Second time I watched this one. Well done. All around good short. Excellent job on the creature. Put me in mind of some of the creatures in the Steven King movie, The Mist. I don't think the guard and whoever, the military? will have to worry about them returning. Me? I'd seriously be tempted to investigate...but...no, that "thing" seems to not like visitors.
Thanks so much and thrilled you enjoyed it second time out!
What an awesome monster/alien, very cool!!
Thanks so much! Thrilled you enjoyed our film
That was really good peace of film art work... loved the take on the creature not going crazy like you would expect.... Wonderful story ... Much love from New Zealand
Thank you! Much love back from the UK!
Really well made, I just wish these films didn't always end on a cheesy cliffhanger like that. It's ok for a story to have a conclusion once in a while!
Agreed
So pleased to see this up on DUST!
Yikes! This needs some sequels!
We're writing but these things take time!
I was so worried that her phone was going to get damaged or worse yet, lost!
We were all right there with her I’m sure! Thanks for watching our film
The Predator Easter egg was cool. Well written!
Thank you so much!
Incredible film short! Such a complete and wonderful story. I got a great sense of each other characters and their relationships to each other and the dad. Then throw in the scary monster horror and you have such a well stitched together movie. Even though it ended ,I want to see more. Id love to see how the story line would pick up after they get home with the Ex-wife and kinds and their
"secret"
I really look forward to more from this film team!
Thanks so much for your thoughts and we’re all thrilled you loved the film! There’s more story we want to tell so hopefully one day we can do that!!
This was great!
Don't be messing with Rangers folks.
Well acted and we'll written. Thanks.
Thanks so much for your kind words and your lovely comment!
Unknown if the creature was alien or some kind of mutated experiment.
Note to self: If you see a monstrous bug when camping in a restricted area, have your bug spray ready, and run away! It doesn't want to be your friend. It wants you to be its DINNER!!!
Thanks so much for your thoughts! Appreciate you watching the film
@@ajspinks268 I loved the film. It was well done. When I saw the warning sign, I thought, "This doesn't look like it's going to turn out to be a very safe camping site."
I'm going with the experiment.
Man, that was really good!! Want to see what happens next!
We’re writing something as we speak!
We have Netflix where in every movie there's gay, lesbian, vegan, trans and now we have Dust. What a disappointment...
In light of that I'm confused. His wife commits adultery with another woman and he's the bad guy/father cause he can't deal with it !? I got so annoyed with the weirdness of that plot point that the story stopped making any sense to me after that.
@@philipm.4738 Yep. I guess that, in this awesome world we now live in, the father should consider himself blessed that his wife spurned him for a woman, and he should seek therapy for taking umbrage over the affair. In the end, everything is to be blamed on the white male. Lol
@@dartmart9263 it's just the story had a personal element for me. My wife left me ( for another guy) and left me to become the full time single parent of three young boys. I'm just blessed that I was surrounded by love and understanding in those around me, not judgement. That would have broken me even more than l already was. That's why I struggled with the flavour of the story plot.
Exactly! Welcome to the wonderful upside down world of Wokeism where good is bad and bad is good, and if you say you don't agree with any of it your labeled a bigot! In this film Dad is the bad guy because he's supposed to accept his wife cheating on him with a woman. I guess if it's with a woman it's okay cause she's being her "True" self.
Does seeing gay people bring something Up out of the closit and make it Harder for you?
Good writing and acting and it was a "complete" short instead of some incomplete, brief idea. Thanks!!
Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed our movie!
Great acting by all involved, but the film as a whole seemed lacking. The part before the encounter was far too long, and the creature was cliched and far too revealed. It also served no purpose that it was alien. An encounter with a bear would have equally effective and would have fit better in the tone of the story.
Thanks so much for your feedback! And thank you for watching
A bear would be totally unrealistic! This set in the UK where there are no dangerous wild animals. Bears, lynx, wolves etc hunted to extinction a thousand years ago. Obviously, the writers wanted to build an atmosphere of a safe, family camping trip but the subplot is that the children become reunited with their absent father due to the encounter with danger.
@@TheAlanSaunders - That Is Not Technically True, Because The Most Dangerous Animal In The UK Is, Or Are Bipedal Humans . . . :-0
@@TheAlanSaunders Thank you for the feedback and for your good eye for details! It’s always appreciated. ☺️
That, . . . Was Excellent, And Hopefully Just 1 Of A Series Of Videos On This Family And Whatever Else Be-Fells Them With The " Specimen " . . . . :-)
Thanks James! Glad you enjoyed the film!
I know its picky but putting up your feet on the dashboard has catastrophic consequences if the air bags deploy .Great short indeed its the second time I have come across this worth a rewatch indeed
MORE of this, PLEASE !!!
Thanks so much! We’re writing something right now actually!
@@ajspinks268 Very much looking forward to it. Keep us updated, please! :)
Pretty interesting. I liked that.
When the young girl hugged her mobile phone @ 18:03 I can legitimately understand that feeling.
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to leave us some comments! We really appreciate it!
haven't got to the end yet, but this is as good as a short gets!
Thanks so much for your kind words!!!
Great pilot, I hope. Love to see more of the story unfold.
So would we! Let’s see what happens in the future!!!
Excellent short story. As mentioned by other commenters, would like to see a sequel.
Thank you! Hopefully we get to tell the story of what happened next!!!
This needs more!!
Thanks Lisa! We’re working on it behind the scenes! I’m thrilled you connected with our story
Excellent...can't wait...
Thanks for watching!
12:32 so the way the creature Mimics him was cute but it tried to *speak* to him (turn captions on, it’ll say as such) also it seemed to like nod towards the kids’ tent like it was saying “go on, show them” or perhaps “can I see your kids??” Or something lol
And!! It seemed to be peaceful until it got its head stuck under the tent
The area they camped in has a force that makes the bad things in a person manifest itself physically. Here it showed the man the looming danger of alcoholism after all the beers he drank.
Interesting take!
"Waiting near water." ...LOL!!
Actual quote from my childhood there! Thanks for watching
Jeepers creepers, now that's one creature I wouldn't want to meet in the woods day or night!
That’s why we picked him! Terrifying
Great worrisome, hopefully, stressful, awesome short!
Thank you so much for your lovely words
Meteor showers over Horsforth Common? Million to one chance if you ask me.
Thanks for watching!!
Its a million to one...... But still they come 🎶
Great short film!
As a new father I don’t know what I’d do if my teenage daughter acted that way towards me. I’d simply send her with her mother and take my son who is more happier to see me.
To each their own then I suppose - thank you for watching!
Great special effects! Well done.
Thanks so much!
MORE!!! I came in expecting just a cool creature but left with a remarkable story and well-acted family becoming closer!
Thank you for your lovely feedback!
We need a sequel
Thanks so much! Hopefully one day we’ll get to tell more story!
Superlative in every aspect.
You’re too kind! Thank you for watching
Loved this ! It was awesome !
Thank you so much for watching it!!!
excellent everything
Thanks so much!
Well done! The wth factor was great.
Thanks so much for watching! So pleased you enjoyed our film
well... we need more now don't we? :-) Nicely done.
thanks so much! We've actually been writing some stuff just before i typed this reply! Let's see if we can make that happen
The boy will be back there quite soon, for sure.
Very cool! Great job! I enjoyed this short a lot!
Thanks so much for checking it out! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it
Ive never seen actual dynamics captured so well as a family: layered contempt and compromises, sidestepping the facts-of-narcissism and addressing image-maintenance-issue circuitously to afford narcissists their dignified-veil-of-illusion. Haven't I seen that creature in another live action short-film, where a soldier thought, he'd drop his weapon, reason with it quietly?
Thanks so much for watching our film and stopping to leave us this comment! We really do appreciate it
Amazing animation. Like real people.
The threat and the family dynamics remind me of War of the Worlds starring Tom Cruise.
Big fans of that movie here at encounter HQ! Thanks so much for watching!
Indeed. There's an allusion to HG Wells' War of the Worlds when he listened to the radio.