Nihilists believe that there is no meaning in existence, hence what is the point of anything? Existentialists differ a little from this to claim that indeed there is no meaning in existence, but while we are here, let's make the most of it. Of course this is an over-simplification, but it adequately provides the overlap on which the primary thought of Untitled Earth Sim 64 rests. 

 One day, Marie, the protagonist of the film, begins to notice something very unusual about her reality which begins to take the form of visual glitches around her. Before she can puzzle herself more over the strange developments, a 'researcher''s voice addresses her to reveal that the earth, as we know it, is merely a simulation which is now facing some technical difficulties. The knowledge is sufficient for Marie, as it would be for anyone, to end up spiralling in existential despair once she concludes that her life is no more than a cluster of code.

 It should be noted that the manner in which all of this is delineated is hilarious, and the pacing is right on point with all the punches landing neatly on target. There is further much to be said about the finesse with which the final product is achieved with a lean cast and crew, and a limited budget. The film packs a full blow within its brief narrative with every special effect succeeding at catching the viewer's eye, while maintaining the tautness of the plot throughout. 


In terms of thought, the film does a spectacular job of taking its story forth from the hackneyed philosophical and existential proposition that our entire existence might simply be a simulation, created by an indifferent creator who really has little to no interest in our individual being. Soon, the overarching question that propels the narrative forward, and eventually allows for an uplifting conclusion, becomes - is life truly abominable, even if it's only a simulation? 

If a simulation has begun to exist and expand on its own, creating timeless art, on the one hand, followed by the little joys of a perfect meal, on the other, can things actually be considered too bad? It is precisely in this manner that the film also proves to be strangely uplifting and unexpectedly hopeful. Unless, much like Marie, this is how we choose to give ourself hope in a meaningless existence, but that is indeed up to the viewer to decide - if this sense of hope is bona fide or simply a defence mechanism, or if there is a difference at all between the two to begin with?

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