9. Perfect little post-apocalyptic wonder

9 is a doll seeking shelter and answers in a post-apocalyptic world, questioning the reality of its existence. Why does it have to run? Who is it? Along the way, it encounters others like itself – numbered from 1 to 8 – who fight for their lives but seem to have forgotten that they are just dolls, created for a specific purpose. The exception is twins 3 and 4, trying to uncover the past and preserve its memory. What do they learn? That humans waged war against each other, and a certain power (a clear reference to Nazi Germany) decided to use modern technology – massive machines somewhat similar to War of the Worlds’ Tripods and somewhat like Transformers – to win. However, as always happens when we put too much hope in artificial intelligence, conscious of their power, the machines turned against humanity and won. All that remains are ruins and nine living dolls – the last opposition to the rebellious iron monsters.

Watching the trailer or seeing the poster, it’s hard to overlook two names proudly promoting 9 – Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov. The former needs no introduction, and the latter has already become known to cinephiles as the creator with exceptional imagination and energy, director of Night Watch and its sequel, as well as the dynamic Wanted. Burton dominates in darkness, Bekmambetov in action. Both elements are present in the full-length version of Shane Acker’s 9, but it would be unfair to claim that these producers are responsible for the overall shape of the film. Especially since the director shot a short film under the same title a few years earlier, not yet bearing the names of Burton and Bekmambetov, but equally dark and dynamic as the works of the aforementioned gentlemen. The film also told the story of a small doll fighting against a machine in a world full of debris and darkness, but it did not explain how the apocalypse happened or where the titular hero came from. All of this is explained in Acker’s feature film, which – it’s worth noting – was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for the earlier 9.

Acker’s feature film did not receive an award from the members of the Academy however it is still intriguing and clever cinema, sometimes trying to surpass the simplicity of the original. The film is richer in characters, and each of the heroes is immediately recognizable because each one stands out in some way. 1 is the leader, but maintaining power seems more important to him than the well-being of his own people. 2 is an old seeker and inventor. 3 and 4 deal with history. 5, with one eye, seems like a kind “everyman,” while 6 resembles a crazed patient from a psychiatric institution. 7 is the only woman but also the most warrior-like character in the film, while 8 is a tall and not very bright oaf. And what about 9? Above all, he is curious, which often leads him and others to the brink of danger.

Undoubtedly, the film’s visual aspect is a strong point. Images of the destroyed world captivate the viewer from the first seconds and continue to awe and terrify until the very end. In this regard, we are dealing with one of the most well-crafted science fiction films in recent years, as well as one of the most dynamic. Action scenes are inventive and full of flair – the fact that we are watching animation doesn’t bother us at all. We believe that 9 and his companions are as alive as possible. And for that, big applause is due.

However, the film is not without its flaws. While borrowing from other fantastic films is still acceptable (sometimes a light bulb goes off in your brain, realizing it was already in The Matrix or Transformers), the dialogues should have been rewritten or thrown out altogether. They are banal and simplistic, although the characters, whatever one may say about them, are not. The best scenes are the initial ones when 9 doesn’t speak yet – it observes the world and doesn’t understand what it sees. We get the promise of great cinema during those moments.

In the short film 9, not a single word was uttered, the entire film was enclosed in suggestive images, yet we experienced much stronger impressions. If Acker had been consistent, and the new 9 had renounced words in favor of images, perhaps a masterpiece would have been created. However, there is no need to complain.