An Analog Nightmare in a Pixelated World

Obex (2025) is a unique lo-fi fantasy-horror film directed, co-written, and starring Albert Birney. Set in pre-internet 1987, it follows Conor Marsh (Albert Birney), a recluse who lives a secluded life with his dog, Sandy. When Conor begins playing a new, mysterious computer game called OBEX, the line between reality and the game blurs after Sandy goes missing. Conor must then venture into the strange, pixelated world of OBEX, encountering bizarre characters and facing surreal challenges, to bring his beloved dog home. The film is known for its striking black-and-white cinematography and dense, atmospheric soundscape.

Albert Birney’s Obex is a 2025 black-and-white lo-fi fantasy where a recluse in 1987 must enter a strange computer game to rescue his dog when the lines between reality and pixels blur.

Obex plunges viewers into a dreamlike, uncanny world that pays homage to early computing and classic horror while exploring themes of loneliness and connection.

• The Setting and Protagonist: The film is set in 1987, an era before widespread internet connectivity, emphasizing an analog, low-tech aesthetic. We meet Conor Marsh, a solitary and introverted man who primarily interacts with the world through screens – his early Mac computer (where he creates digital portraits using characters and wingdings) and a TV aglow with late-night horror movies. His only consistent companion is his beloved dog, Sandy. His social interactions are limited, including grocery deliveries from a neighbor, Mary (Callie Hernandez), with whom he only communicates through a door.

• The Game’s Arrival: Conor discovers an advertisement in a computer magazine for a new, state-of-the-art computer RPG named “OBEX.” He sends in personal details for a customized gaming experience. Although the initial game he receives is simple and unsatisfactory, the “Obex” entity proves persistent.

• The Abduction and Blurring Lines: The antagonist of the game, a demon named Ixaroth, literally emerges from his computer screen and abducts Sandy into the game world. This pivotal event shatters the thin barrier between Conor’s mundane reality and the digital realm.

• The Quest into “Obex”: To rescue Sandy, Conor must embark on a perilous mission into the game itself. The film then transitions between black-and-white scenes of suburban loneliness and “epic” (albeit low-budget, DIY-style) black-and-white adventure sequences set in a strange, Middle Earth-esque world.

• Surreal Encounters and Allies: Within OBEX, Conor confronts his fears and nightmares, which manifest as mutated villains (including nefarious cicada-men, reflecting a 17-year cicada brood event occurring in Baltimore during filming). He finds unlikely allies, most notably Victor (Frank Mosley), an anthropomorphic television set who becomes his loyal guide.

• Themes of Escape and Connection: The journey through OBEX becomes a metaphor for Conor’s struggles in real life. The game seems to read his mind, forcing him to confront his denial of personal problems and his inability to form real connections outside his secluded existence. The film ultimately underscores the importance of companionship and the necessity of stepping beyond virtual life into genuine connection.

• Aesthetic and Homage: The film is shot entirely in grainy black and white, reminiscent of early art-house films like Eraserhead or Dead Man. It features a charming synth soundtrack and jarring sound design that enhances its dreamlike, uncanny atmosphere. It pays loving homage to 1980s VHS culture, early video games, and low-budget indie filmmaking, feeling like a “true love letter” to the era rather than a mere nostalgic recreation.

Obex is described as an audacious, uncanny, and emotionally resonant lo-fi fantasy that uses its retro setting to reflect on contemporary themes of loneliness in an always-online world and the vital need for human connection.

Albert Birney’s vision for Obex is deeply personal and rooted in his unique artistic sensibility, often blending the absurd with profound emotional cores.

• Blending Game and Film: The inspiration for Obex came from Birney’s experience making a video game (Tux and Fanny) and his desire to create a “movie/game hybrid” or at least a “movie about a video game.” This reflects his interest in the blurring lines between digital and real experiences.

• Lo-Fi Fantasy and Surrealism: Birney deliberately cultivates a “delightfully skewed and surreal lo-fi fantasy” aesthetic. He aims for an audacious and uncanny atmosphere, reminiscent of David Lynch or Jim Jarmusch, while maintaining a distinct DIY charm.

• Emotional Core: Despite the bizarre imagery and genre elements, Birney’s primary goal is to tell a heartfelt story about connection and the importance of companionship. He stated he wants the film to “make someone forget the dark times we’re all collectively going through” for 90 minutes.

• Period Setting for Modern Relevance: Setting the film in 1987 allows Birney to subtly comment on the dawn of personal computing and technology-based distractions, drawing a direct link to the “loneliness of our always-online present” without condemning technology itself.

• Collaborative and Playful Production: Birney himself stars and co-writes/edits with Pete Ohs, and even his own dog, Sandy, plays the abducted canine. This collaborative and often playful approach, including actors performing with TVs on their heads, contributes to the film’s unique, homemade feel.

• Loneliness and Isolation: Conor’s secluded life reflects a deep sense of isolation, which the film explores as both a chosen comfort and a potential trap.

• The Power of Connection: The central quest to save Sandy underscores the profound importance of companionship and the lengths one will go for a loved one. The film ultimately champions human (and animal) connection over solitary digital immersion.

• Reality vs. Illusion: The blurring line between the game world and Conor’s reality is a core thematic element, questioning what constitutes “real” experience in a technologically mediated world.

• Nostalgia and Retro-Tech: The 1987 setting and lo-fi aesthetic evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for early computing and analog entertainment, reflecting on how past technologies shaped our present.

• Personal Growth and Confrontation: Conor’s journey into the game forces him to confront his own inner demons and denials, leading to personal transformation.

• The Uncanny and Surreal: Themes of the uncanny permeate the film, blurring the boundaries of the familiar and the strange.

• Albert Birney’s Unique Voice: Birney has an established reputation for creating singular, imaginative, and quirky films (Strawberry Mansion, Sylvio), which attracts a dedicated audience and critical attention.

• Original Premise: The concept of a man entering a lo-fi video game to save his dog is highly original and intriguing.

• Sundance Premiere: Debuting in the NEXT section at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival provided significant industry buzz and critical exposure.

• Critical Acclaim: Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, praising its originality, aesthetic, and emotional depth.

• Oscilloscope Distribution: Acquisition by Oscilloscope Laboratories, a distributor known for unique independent and art-house cinema, ensures the film reaches its target audience effectively.

• Relatable Themes: Despite its surrealism, the film’s exploration of loneliness, the allure of digital worlds, and the value of connection resonates widely.

Albert Birney’s Obex (2025) is a critically acclaimed black-and-white lo-fi fantasy premiering at Sundance, where a recluse enters a mysterious 1987 computer game to save his dog, blurring reality and exploring themes of loneliness and connection.

Obex quickly gained significant attention from its world premiere, establishing itself as a standout independent film of 2025.

Key awards and nominations include:

• Sundance Film Festival (2025): The film had its highly anticipated World Premiere on January 25, 2025, at the festival in the NEXT section, a category known for innovative and forward-thinking American cinema. Its selection immediately marked it as a film to watch.

• Sydney Film Festival (2025): Official Selection.

• Atlanta Film Festival (2025): Official Selection.

• New Zealand International Film Festival (2025): Official Selection.

Its distribution by Oscilloscope, a company known for releasing critically acclaimed independent films, further solidifies its position in the art-house circuit.

Critics have largely lauded Obex as an audacious, uncanny, and deeply unique film, praising its distinctive visual and sonic aesthetic, its blend of lo-fi charm with profound themes, and Birney’s singular artistic vision.

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a 100% positive rating based on 15 critics’ reviews, with an average rating of 7.4/10. The critical consensus points to its inventive nature and strong execution.

• Metacritic: Achieved a score of 74 out of 100, based on 7 critics, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”

• IndieWire: Describes Obex as an “Eraserhead’ Meets ‘The Legend of Zelda’ in a Black-and-White, Cicada-Plagued Sci-Fi Trip,” praising its “wondrous lo-fi charm.” This comparison highlights the film’s surreal horror elements alongside its video game adventure structure.

• The New Yorker: Called it “A work of meticulous realism,” suggesting that despite its fantastical elements, it grounds itself in a relatable, almost tangible world.

• Variety: Notes its “ingenious fantasy feels opportune for the modern era,” indicating its relevance despite the retro setting.

• Collider: Praises it as “An Otherworldly, Surreal Sci-Fi Journey David Lynch Would Be Proud Of,” underscoring its Lynchian, dreamlike, and unsettling qualities.

• Deadline: Compares it to “A whimsical Videodrome, with major nods to the mysterious, industrial shadows of David Lynch’s Blue Velvet,” further emphasizing its unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and Lynchian atmosphere.

• IGN: States, “Movies about people getting sucked into video games have been around nearly as long as video games themselves, but none have had as much wondrous lo-fi charm as OBEX.” This highlights its distinctive aesthetic within a familiar subgenre.

• Hammer to Nail: Calls it “Like Lynch’s Eraserhead and Jarmusch’s Dead Man, this dark, surrealist comedy has its share of jaw-dropping grotesqueness and a mesmerizingly haunting atmosphere.”

• Sundance Film Festival (Matt Cornell): Praises Birney for returning with “another delightfully skewed and surreal lo-fi fantasy.” Cornell highlights the film’s setting in “pre-internet 1987” and its “strikingly shot in monochromatic black and white,” immersing viewers in a “dense soundscape.” He notes how the “dreamy nostalgia soon becomes an analog nightmare as Conor finds himself trapped in a low-tech but high-stakes video game. Audacious and uncanny, OBEX revisits the dawn of personal computing to reflect on the loneliness of our always-online present.

Overall, critics are profoundly impressed by Obex, recognizing it as a highly original and masterfully crafted film that uses its retro aesthetic and fantastical premise to explore contemporary themes of loneliness, connection, and the blurring lines of reality in a digital age. Birney’s unique artistic voice, honed in previous films, is celebrated for its continued evolution.

Audience reactions to Obex are likely to be strong and polarized, with those who appreciate experimental, lo-fi, and surreal cinema finding it a unique and captivating experience, while others might find its unconventional style challenging.

• Nostalgia and Retro Appeal: For audiences who grew up in the 80s or have an appreciation for retro technology, the film’s 1987 setting, monochromatic visuals, and detailed soundscape of old computers and printers will evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.

• Unique Aesthetic: Viewers looking for something genuinely different from mainstream cinema will be drawn to Obex‘s distinctive black-and-white cinematography and dreamlike atmosphere. The film’s blend of “lo-fi charm” with surreal horror elements creates a memorable visual and auditory experience.

• Emotional Connection to the Dog: The premise of a man venturing into a strange world to rescue his beloved dog will resonate with pet owners and those who appreciate stories driven by emotional stakes, even within a surreal setting. Albert Birney’s own performance alongside his dog, Sandy, has been noted as a favorite part of the filmmaking process.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: Audiences who enjoy films that provoke thought and explore deeper meanings will appreciate Obex‘s subtle commentary on modern loneliness and the impact of technology, even though it’s set in the past. The film invites reflection on the boundaries between our digital and physical lives.

• Cult Potential: Given its niche appeal, unique style, and strong critical reception, Obex has the potential to develop a strong cult following among fans of experimental, indie, and surreal cinema.

Overall, Obex is likely to be a beloved film for audiences who embrace its quirky, unsettling, and heartfelt journey. It’s a film that leaves a lasting impression, prompting discussion and admiration for its imaginative world-building and poignant themes.

As an independent film with a niche appeal, Obex is not aiming for blockbuster box office numbers. Its commercial success will be driven by:

• Film Festival Buzz: Its Sundance premiere generated significant industry attention, leading to distribution.

• Arthouse Theatrical Release: Oscilloscope Laboratories, its distributor, specializes in independent and foreign films, indicating a targeted theatrical release in arthouse cinemas.

• Digital and Streaming Performance: A significant portion of its revenue will likely come from Video-On-Demand (VOD) and subsequent streaming platform releases.

Specific box office figures will emerge after its broader release, but success will be measured more by critical acclaim and its cultural footprint within independent cinema circles.

Obex (2025) is an American science fiction fantasy film with a runtime of 90 minutes. It is written, directed, and edited by Albert Birney, who also stars as the lead character, Conor Marsh. Pete Ohs co-wrote, co-edited, and handled the striking black-and-white cinematography. The film was primarily produced by Albert Birney, Pete Ohs, James Belfer, and Emma Hannaway. Executive producers include Todd Remis and Kyra Nicole Rogers. The main cast features Albert Birney (Conor Marsh), Callie Hernandez (Mary), and Frank Mosley (Victor, the TV-headed man). Albert Birney’s real-life dog, Dorothy, plays Sandy. The music was composed by Josh Dibb (aka Deakin), and the sound design was handled by Matt Giordano. Filming likely took place in Baltimore, Maryland, where Birney is based.

Magnify Films acquired the worldwide sales rights to Obex ahead of its Sundance premiere, indicating their role in selling the film to distributors in various territories.

Oscilloscope Laboratories acquired the North American distribution rights to Obex in February 2025, following its Sundance premiere. Oscilloscope is known for distributing unique, artist-driven independent films.

Obex had its world premiere in January 2025 and a U.S. theatrical release is planned. A streaming release date is not yet confirmed. It is expected to become available on VOD or streaming platforms in late 2025 or early 2026, following its festival run and theatrical window.

Obex had its World Premiere on January 25, 2025, at the Sundance Film Festival in the NEXT section. Its subsequent theatrical release will be handled by Oscilloscope Laboratories, likely in limited release in arthouse cinemas across the U.S.

• Highly Original Vision: Recommend to viewers who appreciate truly unique and inventive filmmaking that doesn’t conform to typical genre conventions.

• Art-House & Indie Fans: Ideal for fans of independent cinema, surrealism, and lo-fi aesthetics who are looking for something different and thought-provoking.

• Nostalgia for the ’80s & Gaming: Perfect for those with a soft spot for 1980s technology, early video games, and analog nostalgia, presented through a fresh lens.

• Heartfelt Animal Story: Despite its oddness, it’s a profound story about the bond between a man and his dog, making it appealing to animal lovers.

• Enter a Singular World: Watch to be fully immersed in Albert Birney’s distinct and imaginative cinematic universe, where the familiar becomes strangely uncanny.

• Visually & Aurally Unique: Experience the striking black-and-white cinematography and the immersive, atmospheric sound design that define the film’s mood.

• Laugh and Feel: Be prepared for a film that balances absurdist humor with genuine emotional depth, particularly in its exploration of connection.

• Support Visionary Indie Filmmaking: By watching, you’re supporting a filmmaker who consistently delivers original and artistically fearless work.

Obex fits into a growing trend of lo-fi science fiction/fantasy films that utilize minimalist aesthetics and practical effects to create immersive, surreal worlds. It’s also part of the broader “weird cinema” movement, which embraces the absurd, uncanny, and genre-bending to explore deeper human truths. The film’s 1980s setting taps into contemporary nostalgia for analog technology.

The film directly addresses the social trend of digital isolation, even when set in a pre-internet era, drawing parallels to modern “doom-scrolling” and the constant online presence. It highlights the human need to break free from virtual cocoons and seek out authentic, real-world connections, speaking to a societal longing for genuine interaction in an increasingly mediated world.

Obex is a quirky, heartfelt, and critically acclaimed independent gem that solidifies Albert Birney’s reputation as a unique visionary in contemporary cinema. Its blend of retro charm, surreal fantasy, and profound emotional resonance makes it a memorable and impactful film. It leaves a lasting impression as a reminder of the power of connection and the unexpected adventures that can lead to self-discovery, even in the strangest of worlds.

• Leverage Lo-Fi Aesthetics: Filmmakers should learn from Obex‘s success in using a lo-fi, black-and-white aesthetic to create a distinct atmosphere and stretch limited resources, proving that creativity can thrive within constraints.

• Infuse Personal Experience: Birney’s inspiration from getting a dog and a cicada brood shows how personal experiences can fuel truly unique and heartfelt narratives, even when filtered through a surreal lens.

• Balance Weirdness with Heart: The film demonstrates the power of grounding absurd concepts with a clear emotional core (like the love for a pet), making the strange relatable and impactful.

• Master Sound Design: Pay attention to how Obex uses a dense and atmospheric soundscape to build immersion and enhance the film’s uncanny mood, even on a low budget.

• Seek Out Singular Visions: The industry, including distributors and streamers, should continue to champion truly unique and idiosyncratic directorial voices like Albert Birney’s, as these films often garner critical acclaim and cultivate dedicated audiences.

• Invest in Lo-Fi Excellence: Recognize that high artistic quality doesn’t always require massive budgets. Support films that embrace creative constraints and utilize unconventional aesthetics to tell compelling stories.

• Value Festival Discoveries: Sundance’s selection of Obex in the NEXT section highlights the importance of festivals in identifying and fostering innovative, genre-bending independent cinema.

• Promote Films that Resonate Thematically: Support films that, despite their niche appeal, address universal and timely social themes (like loneliness and digital immersion) in fresh and engaging ways.

Albert Birney’s Obex (2025) stands as a mesmerizing and critically acclaimed lo-fi science fiction fantasy. Premiering to widespread praise at the Sundance Film Festival, the film quickly garnered a 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a “generally favorable” score on Metacritic. Critics universally laud its audacious and uncanny vision, comparing its blend of retro charm, immersive soundscape, and surreal horror to the likes of David Lynch’s Eraserhead and The Legend of Zelda. Starring Birney himself as a reclusive man who must enter a mysterious 1980s computer game to rescue his dog, Obex masterfully uses its distinctive black-and-white aesthetic and a profound sense of nostalgia to explore contemporary themes of loneliness and the blurring lines between reality and technology. Obex is a truly unique cinematic experience, solidifying Albert Birney’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker crafting unforgettable, thought-provoking worlds.Final Verdict: Concluding Thoughts on “Obex”: A Surreal, Soulful, and Essential Indie Watch