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PARK CITY, Utah — Video games are one of the most challenging mediums to adapt to film. The complicated, interactive narratives built into video games have been difficult for even some of the best filmmakers of all time to convey on screen.

In “OBEX,” which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, writer-director (and actor) Albert Birney uses the simplicity of an ‘80s-style computer game to explore the challenges a reclusive man faces. The selection is an inventive, lo-fi adventure that is highly satisfying to watch, perfectly using the nostalgia that video games can offer.

At the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Jane Schoebrun explored the bonds people form with nostalgic media in “I Saw The TV Glow,” in which Birney played a small role as Mr. Sprinkly. “OBEX” explores those same themes, with Birney using the charm of old-school video games to tell a story about escape and personal growth. Immersive, black and white cinematography from Pete Ohs and Birney’s tremendous performance create an engaging, entertaining story that the film never loses.

Set in 1987, the film follows Connor Marsh (Birney), a master coder living in Baltimore, with his dog Sandy to keep him company. In an unlucky turn of events, hundreds of cicadas find their way to his backyard, and Marsh hesitates to step outside.

The only human he interacts with is Mary (Callie Hernandez), who brings Marsh his groceries every Wednesday. The rest of Marsh’s life is relatively simple; he works on his computer and watches television with Sandy, recording live programs to add to a VHS collection. Birney’s tall, thin stature works perfectly for this character, as Marsh’s natural innocence is easily relayed on screen.

One day, while flipping through a technology magazine, Marsh sees an advertisement for a new video game called OBEX that’s said to push the bounds of gaming. Marsh is intrigued and applies to join the game.

Marsh then appears to have a dream. He’s driving down a dark road with his mother, who feeds him grapes, when a monster appears in the backseat in the blink of an eye. Marsh is shocked and wakes up, confused as to what has happened. Though the film was slightly uneasy before this moment, the rest of the film takes a much darker turn.

A dead cicada jams Marsh’s printer, and his television begins experiencing static. Marsh notices all of this but is mainly unbothered. The copy of OBEX is then delivered to his house, and Marsh begins playing.

The gameplay is relatively straightforward. A digital version of Marsh is sent on a journey to defeat a monster, the same one from his dream, in a castle. Discouraged by the dull plot and the ease of the game, Marsh deletes OBEX and moves on about his life.

A few nights later, the monster appears on the television and drags Sandy into the game. Then, Marsh wakes up and searches for his dog. After coming across Sandy’s collar next to a broken television, Marsh is transported into the game — his appearance complete with scraggly hair and a long beard.

The production design and animation in “OBEX” are incredible. Little pixels around the landscape remind the audience that Marsh is stuck in a video game. Some video game adaptations treat the game as the real world, but Birney’s decision to constantly reference the game design helps keep the film slightly detached from reality.

Marsh’s adventure resembles “The Lord of the Rings” or other mythical fantasy, complete with quests. To defeat the monster, he must fight several groups of enemies, picking up a companion named Victor (Frank Mosley) along the way. Despite a taxing journey, when Marsh arrives at the castle, he is determined to get Sandy back.

But he’s too late. When Marsh enters the sanctuary and confronts the monster, it gloats about killing Sandy. Infuriated, Marsh prepares to charge at the monster until a flash makes it disappear and familiar voices grab his attention.

His mother and Mary are standing in the sanctuary, confronting Marsh about how he can’t make real connections with them. Marsh is heartbroken by what is being said about him, coming to terms with his denial of the problems in his life. “OBEX” is a metaphor for Marsh’s struggles, as he needs a dangerous adventure to push him to change.

The illusions of Mary and his mother disappear, and the monster comes back, further mocking Marsh for his weakness. In a rage, Marsh runs at the monster, sword drawn and ready to strike. The movie then cuts to a pixelated version of their fight, reminiscent of ‘80s video games like “Street Fighter” and “Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior.” The monster’s defeated in a few quick movements, and Marsh is transported out of the game with Sandy by his side.

“OBEX” is a charming story about the power of connection and the beauty of nostalgia. The film takes the audience on an emotional journey, which anyone can connect to, whether they played video games or not.

Published on January 27, 2025 at 9:11 pm