Betterment explores the deceptive powers of technology. Linking to modern day context, societal deception via artificial intelligence has never been more prominent. Gideon Price is an overbearing host, who is highly enthusiastic and engaging. Despite his charismatic façade, there is a sense of uncertainty behind his persona due to his ardour and liveliness which appears almost too much. In the wider narrative, it is revealed that Betterment is a cult, in which Gideon is the leader of. This cult specialises in luring vulnerable, deteriorating people with the promise of an improved life. Peter is a simple man who possessed a healthy and happy life before the sudden and inexplicable disappearance of his wife, Laura. They had a wonderful marriage, therefore her sudden vanishing left Peter distraught. He lives in grief and sorrow, surviving life only in the hope of his wife’s return. Peter lives in a rundown flat which is littered with food boxes and beer bottles, reflecting his mental turmoil. He wastes away on the sofa and turns to TV for a glimmer of entertainment in his miserable life.

Directed by Finn Barwell and Sofia Francesca Postlethwaite-Gabassi (UK)