By Amy Watkins
In their debut short film The Programme, director Sam Grierson crafts a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of grief, loneliness, and neurodivergence.
The Programme follows Drum (Michelle Jeram), a non-binary and neurodivergent individual who participates in an interview study for “The Programme” – an AI organisation focused on the subject of loneliness. But as the interview shifts from friendly observations to a full-blown interrogation, Drum is confronted with a relentless examination of their emotions and identity. The AI, designed to understand human emotions, becomes a cold mirror, reflecting society’s tendency to reduce individuals like Drum to data points.
The film is dialogue-heavy, with most of the story in conversation between Drum and the AI robot. But while the setting may seem minimalist, The Programme thrives on the sinister, claustrophobic atmosphere created by the AI’s cold, calculating presence. The AI, initially appearing as a neutral observer, gradually morphs into an almost predatory force, probing deeper into Drum’s emotions, fears, and vulnerabilities. This shift transforms the film into a psychological masterpiece, as the conversation becomes less about understanding and more about manipulation. The AI’s relentless questioning starts to strip away Drum’s sense of self, turning their internal struggles into an external battleground.
Grierson, who is LGBTQIA+, autistic, and ADHD, uses The Programme to confront societal stereotypes surrounding neurodivergence, portraying Drum not as a passive subject but as a character of strength. Throughout the film, The Programme treats Drum as a resource to be mined, reducing them to labels that society often misinterprets or oversimplifies. This detached, clinical perspective reflects harmful stereotypes, including the misconception that neurodivergent individuals cannot fully grasp or articulate their emotions. Grierson uses the AI’s rigid, formulaic questioning to expose the dehumanizing effects of such assumptions. The film challenges viewers to confront their own implicit prejudices about neurodivergence, revealing how these misguided beliefs strip individuals of their humanity and complexity.
Jeram was excellent as Drum, bringing a raw and captivating presence to the role. As the film’s sole character, apart from a brief interaction with a receptionist, Jeram carries the weight of the film with impressive skill. Each subtle shift in Drum’s journey—whether moments of quiet introspection or intense emotional outbursts—exemplifies Jeram’s talent, establishing them as a talent to watch in this genre.
The perfect blend of psychological horror with introspective drama, The Programme is a gripping, emotionally charged film that challenges our understanding of grief, loneliness, and neurodivergence. Grierson also pushes boundaries with a fresh and necessary perspective on what it means to be human in a world increasingly shaped by technology. For anyone seeking a thought-provoking, unsettling exploration of identity and emotion, The Programme is a standout debut that demands attention.
Watch the trailer for The Programme below –
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