What I liked
The theming of this show will appeal to anyone with even the faintest of sci-fi leanings, but it isn’t overbearing. I could tell that research was done and that a lot of thought was put into every element of the production, but no one felt the need to show that they did all the research, if that makes sense.
Anyone familiar with Katelyn Schiller’s work knows what a compelling performer she is. But the child-like enthusiasm with which she plays the role of android companion Ellie will make the most jaded heart melt. I can’t speak for anyone else, but she really made me feel like I was the most important person in her world.
I felt feelings. I’ll admit it.
And then when it came to an end…
I will not spoil, I cannot, I will not, you must experience it. Rest easy knowing that the escalation of events in the pod is suitably awe-inspiring and really conveys a sense of being a pioneer at the edges of human capacity.
Leaving Ellie is absolutely heartbreaking.
I’d love to say more about the genius of what Nick and Katelyn managed to pull off with the ending, and if I didn’t want people to experience this show as blind as possible, I could go on about it breathlessly for a good fifteen minutes.
I will say this: There is a particular expression on people’s faces as they leave the Pod. You’ll see it when you’re in the waiting area. Jaw dropped, slightly disoriented and spacy, walking stilted and slow…
You will wear that same expression, I guarantee.
What I didn't like
I was a test audience member, so it’s likely this was fixed, but I could hear the waiting room video a little while I was in the pod. That is such a freaking nitpick, my god.
My overall impression
A show about being alone in space with an android turns out to be the most human of all.
