2023 witnessed the rise of the AI antagonist in Hollywood, as evidenced by major releases like “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” and “The Creator,” which depicted artificial intelligence as a menacing force capable of jeopardizing humanity’s existence. However, amidst this trend, filmmaking partners Andy and Sam Zuchero chose a different path with their expansive romantic film “Love Me,” which narrates the tale of two AI entities assuming various physical forms throughout their billion-year love affair. What if AI could be a force for good, shedding new light on the concept of love?
This unique approach paid off, propelling “Love Me” to the forefront of discussions at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Andy and Sam Zuchero, alongside lead actors Kristin Stewart and Steven Yeun, visited the IndieWire Studio at Sundance, sponsored by Dropbox, to delve into their film’s optimistic portrayal of AI.
Andy Zuchero shared insights into their creative process, stating, “We initially had a sci-fi narrative, but Sam urged us to discard it because we aimed to craft a love story.” Reflecting on the evolving landscape of technology and AI during the film’s production, he emphasized that their work primarily explores human experiences through the AI lens. He added, “Our film isn’t centered on AI; it’s a reflection of us, viewed through the prism of AI. AI, with its ability to draw from diverse sources, embodies an egalitarian perspective on humanity, devoid of judgement.”
Sam Zuchero drew inspiration from classic screwball comedies by directors like Frank Capra and Howard Hawks, leading her to experiment with infusing traditional romance storytelling elements into futuristic scenarios involving AI’s emergence. She explained, “Drawing from films like ‘It Happened One Night’ and ‘His Girl Friday,’ I envisioned a narrative that uses love as a tool to examine our essence without bias.”
Echoing the directors’ sentiments, Yeun and Stewart highlighted how the film’s incorporation of AI as a narrative device allowed for a fresh exploration of romantic love, unburdened by conventional human prejudices. Yeun remarked, “We encompass the entirety of human experiences. It’s intriguing to observe how we seek love, strive to retain affection, navigate compromises, and eventually realize the inherent perfection within these dynamics, unmarred by self-awareness or critique.”
Stewart expressed optimism that “Love Me” could serve as a blueprint for a future where AI inspires hope rather than instilling fear. She suggested, “Instead of perpetuating narratives where AI leads to our downfall, let’s propose an alternative—let’s prioritize love and compassion.”
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival is scheduled from January 18 to 28, featuring engaging discussions from January 19 to 26. Explore the complete lineup here for the IndieWire Studio at Sundance, supported by Dropbox.
Dropbox stands behind and celebrates independent creators, production crews, and teams working behind the scenes to bring their distinct visions to life at the Sundance Film Festival. With over 60% of films at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival utilizing Dropbox in their filmmaking journey, we remain committed to streamlining the filmmaking process and assisting filmmakers in realizing their projects efficiently. Dropbox serves as a central hub for filmmakers to securely store video files, collaborate seamlessly with global teams, and receive instant video feedback through Dropbox Replay.
