Technicians

An automation technician's life changes when he is assigned to do some work at a nail salon.

Set in the near future, this short drama follows David (Nicholson), an automation technician who lives with his elderly and vulnerable mother (Walters). One day, he accepts an overnight job that requires him to install self-service manicure devices at a nail salon. Once he arrives there, it is clear that the nail technicians are not happy with the new equipment, as it aims to replace them. Once night-time arrives, Tippi (Bui), a young Vietnamese American nail technician, begs David to get rid of the devices. David must now decide what he believes is the right thing to do.

Arguably, the main issue here is technology replacing humans. Electronic machines doing the job better and quicker than people, thus making them redundant. The Eastern Asian female beauticians and particularly Tippi, epitomise how jobs are being lost due to technological advancements. Once the manicure devices are ready, the salon staff are to find work elsewhere and Tippi desperately tries to prevent that by making David understand how important her profession is. Tippi explains that for her nail beauty is a cherished trait that has been part of her family since her grandmother learned the trade. Her work is her life and the thought of losing it devastates her.

Interestingly, both David and Tippi have positions that recognise them as technicians, however, their line of work is different. Professionally, David is the opposite of Tippi, meaning that David works in the technological sector, while Tippi does not. Plus, David's current assingment is threatening to terminate her job, which in some ways, pits them against each other, creating the conflict of the story.

David goes through significant character development. Although David works with technology for a living, it is indicated that he disapproves of devices replacing humans, a good example would when he has trouble communicating with an A.I. software while he attempts to arrange a medical appointment for his mother. A former video game designer (now a hobby although probably still his passion), he now utilises his skills just to make a living, ostensibly without fully realising that his work is making people lose their jobs, however the rapport that he builds with Tippi helps him comprehend that.

The relationship that develops between David and Tippi has peacefulness, drama and twists. It begins in a friendly manner, then turns into a conflict, before becoming a situation of understanding and support. Initially, Tippi tries to befriend David with a manicure and convince him not to install the machines. He refuses, leading to an intense altercation, nevertheless valuable lessons are learned.

Regarding the audio, composer Jon Ong deserves commendations for the gentle and pensive music that effectively accompanies the scenes.

By combining technology with manicure, this short sci-fi drama tells a story about an encounter between two people that ends up being quite impactful. It is a film that explores struggles, making the right decisions and holding on to one's passion. Perhaps more significantly, it operates as a commentary about technology reducing jobs and also depriving people from their passions.