'CC' is well made. The suggested technology, while advanced beyond our time, is believable, and looks great in how it's represented. The narrative is simple, but well written - a fine short story from writer-directors Sam and Kailey Spears, realized just as capably as a short film. Much to my surprise, there's no effort to impart a twist at the end, or an emotional gut-punch; this would have been easy to do, and I appreciate the restraint.
Above all, even in only 14 minutes, Jewel Staite and Sharon Taylor give what I think are pretty swell performances as CC and Lena, respectively. Both roles are written with a complexity of emotions that Staite and Taylor very ably portray, and these characters feel very real. Staite has certainly earned her name in sci-fi by this point, but I also make a note to myself look out for more of Taylor.
The one issue I have is that for as well made as 'CC' is, the core of the narrative is built around the very familiar notion of technological advancement leading to the obsolescence and replacement of humans. This is an issue that has plagued society since at least the Industrial Revolution, yes, and it's a timeless theme, but the trope as applied to synthetic beings still feels slightly overdone at this point; how many full-length features or shorts have been written that explore the same idea?
In fairness, the concept is employed a little bit differently here. And regardless, despite that air of familiarity, these 14 minutes are solid, giving us an engaging little tale with two excellent performances.
Is 'CC' worth your time? I think so.
