Must Watch: Exhilarating New Zealand Sci-Fi Short ‘Mis-Drop’

How do you make a believable ‘high-concept’ sci-fi movie on a low budget? Upcoming Wellington director Ferand Peek’s has the answer: “Do it in one shot”. His indie short Mis-Drop is an exhilarating thrill-ride that, when it’s over, makes you want to take it again.

Set 300 years in the future, a forensic accountant is reviewing the video stream from a mercenary’s drop-pod which was damaged during a colonial invasion. We join Jason Glen on his first mission, as he is strapped into a coffin-like pod and loaded into a drop-ship like a torpedo, ready to fire. Through his pod-camera, we watch his fear and confusion during the ship’s white-knuckled plummet through the atmosphere of an alien planet.

Everything about this short is spot on. It’s a take on the drop ship run from many a sci-fi film, yet it’s fresh and unique. We’re essentially looking at Jason’s face the entire film, yet the cinematography and clever effects make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

But it’s the performances that really draw you in. Elliot Travers is superb as the rookie merc – you really believe it’s his first drop – and he is well supported by live actors Maria Walker and Larry Rew. The ensemble voice cast that makes up the rest of the merc troup is great – convincing vets hazing the new boy. It’s hard to believe that many of the performances were shot and recorded at different times.

Mis-Drop was made over several years, during the director’s downtime and when actors were available, but that hasn’t affected the end result. Park Road Post and Workshop FX also lent a hand to get the film across the line. We’re glad they did.

Following in the footsteps of his dad (an award-winning production sound mixer) Ferand has learnt from the best – first as a graduate of the Film School in Wellington, then as an extra in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King and boom-swinging on King Kong and Eagle vs Shark.. Now, thanks to Mis-Drop, Peek has taught himself to composite.

And next? Peek is planning a sci-fi feature. On this evidence I can’t wait to see it.

Enough talk. Time to enjoy:

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