Vision & Aesthetic: Judges of Being will immerse viewers into a meticulously crafted dystopian world, visually echoing the layered emotional complexity of its story. Inspired heavily by Denis Villeneuve’s starkly beautiful compositions in Blade Runner 2049, the cold realism and haunting visuals of HBO’s Chernobyl, and the darkly expressive style of the acclaimed series Arcane, the film will balance grandeur with intimacy. Visually, the film will adopt a muted, desaturated palette of steel blues, foggy greys, and earthy, rust-colored hues, accentuated by orange glows from flickering lanterns and fires. This oppressive atmosphere serves as a constant visual reminder of Archeston's bleakness, but also offers glimpses of warmth symbolizing fragile hope.

Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049)

“Dystopia is reality seen through the eyes of fear.”

This bold aesthetic and emotional authenticity, influenced by the works of H.R. Giger’s biomechanical surrealism, Zdzisław Beksiński’s apocalyptic paintings, and the psychological realism of Kafkaesque literature (e.g., Kafka, Orwell, and Huxley), ensures Judges of Being offers viewers a deeply haunting yet uniquely human exploration of power, oppression, and the transformative power of compassion. Audiences will leave not only contemplating its striking visuals and powerful themes but reflecting on their own sense of morality, responsibility, and humanity in the face of overwhelming control.

George Orwell (1984) “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—forever.”

The visual contrast between the oppressive "Heavens" and the earthbound "Gatekeepers" will be stark. The Heavens will reflect sterile order through sleek, alien-like architecture crafted from polished marble, smooth stone, and automated technology. Fluid elements, asymmetrical shapes, and glowing orange lights amidst monochromatic palettes will evoke an eerie, otherworldly grandeur. Conversely, the Gatekeepers will embody warmth and humanity through organic, Gothic architecture, tangible firelight, and natural elements like the singular tree at their courtyard—highlighting the tension between sterile authoritarianism and gritty, resilient humanity.

Locations:

• Archeston: A sprawling, vertically towering metropolis suspended high above the Earth's surface, Archeston is a dark cybernetic city perpetually drenched in rain and fog. Governed strictly by the oppressive and technologically superior Heavens, Archeston's architecture is noir-inspired—colossal structures of metal, concrete, and glass, interwoven with expansive bridges and railways. Its muted, bluish-grey palette contrasts starkly with fiery orange glows from fires and lights, symbolizing oppressive surveillance and control.
• The Gate’s Keep: A gothic, castle-like cylindrical tower standing isolated from the rest of Archeston, connected only by a narrow concrete bridge. This sacred headquarters of the Gatekeepers starkly contrasts with the city's high-tech sterility, featuring organic architecture, warm lighting, and natural elements, including a rare tree symbolizing hope and resilience.

Stills from the Judges of Being short film:

Characters:

• Rogue Whitlam: The stoic yet deeply principled leader of the Gatekeepers, Rogue is imposing, thoughtful, and physically distinctive—cast intentionally as a large, heavy-set man, defying the traditional, polished aesthetic typically associated with lead protagonists. His rugged and weathered appearance underscores his emotional isolation and internal struggle. Rather than thriving in his role, Rogue merely tolerates his duty, moving numbly through each day, deeply troubled and stubbornly indifferent to the life he's forced to live. His evolving conflict between his unwavering belief in justice and Archeston's corrupt systems drives his transformative journey from a detached enforcer to a compassionate protector.

  Rogue Whitlam’s transformation will be intricately mirrored by this visual and aural design. Initially, Rogue’s environment will be cold, ordered, and emotionally distant. However, as his morality evolves, warmth and humanity seep into his visual and sonic surroundings—firelight, warmer tones, and more fluid camera movements reflecting his internal awakening.

• Quarie: Charismatic and fiercely dedicated, Quarie leads the Rebellion against Archeston's oppressive regime. Originally from outside of Archeston, her passionate pursuit of justice and freedom pushes Rogue to question his own beliefs. Her presence ignites hope within the bleakness, though her methods reflect a harsh pragmatism necessary in their ruthless world.

• Poppet Gryffs: An enigmatic, nearly immortal figurehead of the Heavens, Poppet represents the ruthless enforcement of Archeston's oppressive laws. Physically fragile yet emotionally detached, his pale, mechanical appearance and orange glowing eyes embody Archeston's alien sterility. Despite his unwavering dedication to brutal order, Poppet adheres rigidly to the Law, believing its harshness is essential for humanity’s survival.