EXIT STRATEGY | Omeleto

A man in a time loop tries to prevent a fire. EXIT STRATEGY is used with permission from Travis Bible. Learn more at Math genius Shane reunites with his estranged brother over breakfast one morning. He has an unusual request: he knows something bad is going to happen in the future, and he needs his brother’s help to prevent a tragedy. The pair embark on a complex series of events, but must work together despite their history of conflict and resentment. And -- they’re also caught in a time loop, which complicates their efforts to prevent the future catastrophe. Writer-director Travis Bible has crafted an energetic, smart sci-fi thriller that easily pulls an audience in with smart, clever storytelling, rapid-fire dialogue and briskly compelling pacing. The camerawork and direction is equally confident, adding to the short’s sharp, propulsive rhythm. The result is a compelling cinematic experience that is genuinely entertaining without sacrificing intelligence or craft. Fans of sci-fi will be familiar with the convention of time loops and enjoy this particular riff on the subgenre. But the film also works on the level of a relationship story, with genuine emotional engagement and growth between the two brothers. Though we don’t get to spend a lot of time with them, they’re able to develop with full arcs as characters, making the ending surprisingly moving. EXIT STRATEGY is being developed into a feature, and with its intricate world and clever thrills, the stories and characters should easily expand into a larger narrative. As a short, it’s authentically fun, fast-paced and surprisingly resonant -- in other words, everything people head to the multiplex for.