Meet Conor Marsh (Albert Birney), a man from 1987 Baltimore spending his days engrossed in his analog library of hand-labeled VHS tapes filled with horror movies and captured programs. His existence in the lush world of his computer and stacked CTR TV sets constructs the plot of "Obex," designed in black-and-white with a lo-fi aesthetic. This film is not just a narrative, but a window into a co-created world, the ingenious product of a vibrant artistic partnership between Birney and Pete Ohs. Their collaboration yields a uniquely fascinating world narrated through a retro cinematic art form.
Conor's life revolves around his technology; a shuttered individual earning a living by 'redrawing' images via his computer, he is dependent on his neighbor, Mary, for supplies. However, Conor pushes to be more than a viewer, immersing himself and his dog, Sandy, into a new video game, OBEX. However, when an encounter with a digital demon in the game leads to Sandy’s disappearance, Conor is propelled into a thrilling adventure to rescue his companion.
"Obex," like its predecessor "I Saw the TV Glow," discusses the double-edged sword that is media consumption – the absorption into a digital world leading to a detachment from reality. Through its retro-rooted adventure, the film underscores a pertinent modern concern – tech-induced distraction and the possible harm it could inflict. The plot delves into the irony of technological advancement; from the massive TV totems of the past to today's smartphones, all serve the same purpose and entail similar risks.
Conor's journey, sprinkled with surreal dream sequences and dramatic monochrome scenes from Ohs' cinematography, brings Birney's character face to face with his deepest vulnerabilities. Birney exhibits his character's evolution through his subtly radiant performance. Armed with a nostalgic synth score and artistic backgrounds that blend the past and present, this is a barebones journey that ends up a richly rewarding cinema experience. The movie does not strive for romantic notions; instead, Conor's struggle is directed towards self-restoration and regaining vibrancy in life.
