CRUSH Short Film Sees Crash Test Dummies Become Self-Aware Before Impact

What happens when a couple of crash test dummies realize exactly what they were built for just seconds before impact?

That’s the interesing hook at the center of Crush, a 2014 3D-animated short film created by Malek Rizkallah as his final project for the 3D Animation and Visual Effects program at Vancouver Film School.

Rizkallah explained, “CRUSH” is my final project of the 3D Animation and Visual Effects program in Vancouver Film School. The short takes a familiar object we’ve all seen countless times and gives it an unexpected dose of life, emotion, and survival instinct.

Crush follows a pair of crash test dummies being assembled and prepared for the inevitable collision ahead. Everything changes moments before the test when an accidental electrical spark suddenly brings them to conscious life.

They immediately understand the awful situation they’re in and form an emotional connection as their destruction approaches. Rather than simply accepting the fate they were designed for, the two reach for each other and attempt to defy their programmed destination.

Turning crash test dummies into characters capable of fear, connection, and rebellion gives the short a fun sci-fi twist.

The animation is strong, the premise is clever, and there’s something wonderfully strange about watching two disposable test subjects suddenly decide they’d rather not be disposable.

For animation fans looking for a creative short film with a great concept, Crush is well worth checking out.