Watch the Neill Blomkamp-directed prequel short to BioWare’s Anthem

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Neill Blomkamp hasn’t released a movie in theaters since 2015’s CHAPPIE, but the Oscar-nominated filmmaker is hard at work making incredible short films through his Oats Studios. His newest short has just been unveiled, and it’s a live-action prequel short to the new video game from BioWare (MASS EFFECT series), ANTHEM. As he did in the past with DISTRICT 9 and ELYSIUM the short blends realistic visual effects with the real world around the characters, creating a unique world that makes you dream of what a Blomkamp-directed HALO movie would’ve been like.

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The short comes one week before the release of the highly-anticipated game and takes place decades before the events of the story take place. While the dialogue dips into the generic territory, Blomkamp gets to do what he does best and use photorealistic effects to create stunning characters and worlds for a seamless adaptation of the game. Taking place in the in-game city of Fort Tarsis, the short depicts the Freelancers, characters who wear Javelin exosuits and whom the player controls in the game. Check out some gameplay from ANTHEM below:

In the actual game, players and up to three friends can take control of a Freelancer and, armed with their customizable Javelin suits, can explore the ruins of the old world and take on big beasties and other enemy foes. Blomkamp spoke about being inspired by the game and how the short he made acts as a narrative introduction to the world characters will play through.

“I was really blown away by this incredible world BioWare created the very first time I saw Anthem. Conviction sets the stage with a narrative that touches on Anthem’s beautiful and immersive world, which is ripe for exploration by these powerful Javelins. A world where danger is lurking on every ledge and in each valley.”

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ANTHEM hits shelves for PS4, Xbox One, and PC February 22, but Origin Access Permier members can access the game one week early on PC starting tomorrow.