We meet Eva (Hannah Emily Anderson) at the beginning of the new short, GOOD VIBES ONLY, as she is attempting to process a breakup. The camera is tight on her face. She is covering her mouth, eyes closed, desperately holding back tears. That’s when a cheery voice from her phone jumps in to assist with some breathing exercises. In this world, created by writer, director Sarah D’Ambrosio bad emotion is, well, bad. An invasive app exists on everyone’s phone that assists with all personal interaction to make things easier. Happier. Consequently less human.

The next day, Eva has to give a presentation to a room of execs, one of which is her ex Vik (Dalmar Abuzeid). With anxiety mounting, the app merely suggests that this is an opportunity for growth. During an interaction with coworker, Margaret (Maddy Foley), Andrea Pavlovic (Amy), Eva is in a fog. The app is coaching Margaret Amy into frivolous chatter with Eva, fully ignoring any negativity. The app’s intrusive coaching has dissolved everyone’s ability to self manage. They have become less human.

D’Ambrosio has a sharp wit as she skewers automation, corporate life, and toxic positivity. Her understanding of the undercurrents seething just beneath the surface is on point. There is a lot of world building that she packs into 13 minutes. This results in a few lingering questions. Not the least of which is why everyone has their app on speakerphone to chime in at any moment. You would think that a user would want to keep the direction they are getting a little confidential. A minor point for sure but one that stuck with me while not really ruining the experience.

GOOD VIBES ONLY is a clever short that maintains a sharp wit and a light touch. It stays just this side of cynical while giving a stern warning about losing our humanity to the convenience of technology.