Tetra Vaal (2004) User Reviews (2)

Ever been flagged down by a machine?

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 4 September 2013]

This very short film was Neil Blomkamp's first directorial effort almost ten years ago. We see a robot seemingly built by law enforcement authorities patrolling the streets in order to fight crime in the slums of Joburg. Clearly, it's not the Terminator-kind of robot, but more the "can be broken, can be fixed"-approach to avoid casualties among the human employees of the national police force.

Word is that Blomkamp's next feature is at least partially based on this work. While it's practically impossible for this film to go below the surface at all in its 2 minutes, Blomkamp's style when it comes to conveying alienation is easily identifiable to anybody who watched his masterpiece District 9. For now, you can give this one a pass. Maybe take another look at it when Chappie is released in 18 months.

Tetra Vaal still holds strong 16 years later

[Stephan_fr · 10/10 · 9 July 2020]

I can't think of a better short with the aim to give audience of what you are capable of than "Tetra Vaal". 16 years on, its CGI (despite being on a budget back then) still holds strong, very strong.

In fact, it's so good it severely overshadows everything Bloomkamp did afterwards -bar the amazing district 9 of course , but including the oh-hum 'chappy'- and makes you question why he wasn't able to keep that line of sleek innovation, world-building and tone.

In any case, it's amazing, and a must watch for anyone hoping to get into hollywood from a simple short. The ultimate modern teaser.