Turkish Film ‘LifeLike’ Explores Mortality Through VR and Family Bonds

The film LifeLike (Bir Arada Yalnız), directed by Turkish writer-director Ali Vatansever, explores profound themes of human mortality and the need for connection within a fractured family. The film, which incorporates scenes shot in the online virtual reality platform VRChat, will have its world premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia on November 19, 2023.

Set within a social housing complex, the story revolves around a family torn apart by impending death. The 19-year-old protagonist, İzzet, finds solace in the virtual world of VRChat as he faces the final stages of his illness. His mother, Reyhan, turns to social media, seeking fame through her desperate attempts to heal him, while his father, Abdi, finds comfort in prayer and neglects his responsibilities as a school-bus driver. The family’s dynamics change dramatically when İzzet’s desire to invite a girl from the virtual world to his real home leads to disappointment and a failed suicide attempt.

The film’s narrative embraces moral ambiguity, focusing on the choices made by each family member rather than providing clear-cut answers. The use of VR is particularly significant, allowing the film to delve into humanity’s longing to transcend physical limitations. As the story unfolds, Abdi transforms his school bus into a makeshift space for father-son bonding, embarking on a road trip in search of healing.

LifeLike features performances by actors Fatih Al, Esra Kızıldoğan, and Onur Gözeten. Vatansever filmed not only in a traditional setting, but also in VRChat, where the actors performed as avatars. The director was present in the virtual realm, capturing their performances in real-time, which created a unique blend of reality and digital storytelling.

The film is produced by Vatansever’s Terminal Film, in collaboration with Aktan Görsel Sanatlar from Turkey, Foss Productions from Greece, and Da Clique from Romania. Additional support comes from the Turkish Ministry of Culture, TRT, and ERT.

On November 20, 2023, Vatansever will lead a workshop titled “LifeLike: a VR Case Study” at the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, sharing insights on storytelling through virtual worlds. Vatansever emphasized the significance of technology in understanding human relationships, stating that VR can serve as a mirror reflecting our desires and connections.

The director’s inspiration for LifeLike stemmed from the challenges of portraying a young man’s experiences as he faces death. His collaboration with a London-based documentary filmmaker, Joe, introduced him to innovative storytelling methods within virtual reality. Through this process, Vatansever aimed to uncover the complexities of the human condition when confronted with mortality.

Vatansever acknowledges the value of emerging technologies, viewing them as tools that facilitate exploration of new narratives. He expressed a desire to create films that address humanity’s fears and desires, particularly in the context of evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence. He believes that while technology can enhance storytelling, it ultimately serves to foster deeper human connections.

The film also tackles sensitive topics, including euthanasia, which remains a controversial issue in Turkey. Vatansever’s writing process was influenced by a real-life case involving a father taking his terminally ill son’s life. This exploration delves into the ethical complexities surrounding the concept of dignity in death, challenging viewers to reflect beyond binary perspectives.

As Vatansever looks ahead to his next project, he plans to shift focus from themes of mortality to the complexities of love. He seeks to explore the nuanced nature of loving and being loved, emphasizing that love encompasses more than just romantic feelings. In his upcoming work, he intends to incorporate an artificial character, adding layers to the exploration of human emotions.

LifeLike stands as a bold cinematic venture that not only tackles pressing themes of mortality and connection but also pushes the boundaries of storytelling through virtual reality. Its premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival marks a significant moment in international cinema, highlighting the innovative directions filmmakers are taking in the digital age.