Short films can often deliver powerful messages more effectively than full-length movies, and this is true for Dirty Machines: The End of History. This 12-minute time travel story, directed by American-Swedish filmmaker David Matthew Olson-who also plays the main character-explores a world where powerful corporations control both history and the future.
In the future, tourism isn't just about traveling to a different place but also to a different time. Dirty Machines follows a tourist from the future who travels back to the present to witness a key historical moment: the invention of time travel. Surprisingly, this groundbreaking event doesn't happen in a high-tech science lab, but on a Stockholm subway platform.
The short film presents a humorous take on the typical tourist experience, complete with a narration device that sounds like the familiar "If you look to your left..." tour guide spiel. These time-traveling tourists can observe significant moments in history-but there's one strict rule: they must not interfere, as even a small action could create a time paradox and endanger the future. Breaking this rule has serious consequences.
The story's concept feels fresh, with some clever twists. The dialogue is sparse, but when characters do speak, their words invite deeper reflection. However, the film leaves a few important questions unanswered, which may frustrate some viewers. The eerie background music adds to the atmosphere, but I found it distracting and was relieved when it stopped.
Despite its flaws, Dirty Machines: The End of History is an intriguing and thought-provoking short film that's worth watching-it might even brighten your day with its creative take on time travel.
