Albert Birney’s latest, OBEX, is another surreal journey into the land of dreams after 2021’s Strawberry Mansion, which he co-directed. There are parallels between the films, and both are wonderfully imaginative and strange, but this one leaves you more satisfied.
When his beloved dog Sandy disappears, the reclusive Conor, played by Birney, enters the mysterious new computer game OBEX to get him back. Since we encounter many elements from his life along the way, it is more likely that we are actually witnessing one of his nightmares rather than him being inside the game, but that hardly matters.
Although it is not very scary, there are many moments that are unsettling throughout. The sound design and the wacky score by Josh Dibb are excellent, and Birney ends things on a beautiful note. Dog lovers should keep an eye out for it. Oscilloscope Laboratories will release the film in the US.
