Turkish Director Ali Vatansever Blends Virtual Reality and Human Drama in “LifeLike”

A Turkish family grapples with a terminal diagnosis in a groundbreaking new film. “LifeLike” premieres at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The movie uniquely blends real-world drama with scenes filmed inside the virtual platform VRChat.

Director Ali Vatansever explores profound human themes through modern technology. The story follows a young man, his social media-focused mother, and his devout father.

Virtual Reality Offers New Cinematic Language for End-of-Life Story

The film’s teenage protagonist, İzzet, finds solace in VRChat. His mother seeks online fame through desperate healing attempts. His father retreats into prayer, neglecting his work as a school-bus driver.

This disconnect pushes the family toward fracture. A road trip becomes a final chance for connection. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Vatansever uses VR to explore the human longing to transcend physical limits.

Blurring the Lines Between Physical and Digital Realities

The actors performed both in the real world and as avatars. Vatansever himself operated a virtual camera within VRChat. This innovative process created parallel universes for the narrative.

The director stated the goal was to understand the human condition. He suggests the younger generation sees no strict boundary between real and virtual life. The technology serves the story’s emotional core, not the other way around.

The film “LifeLike” demonstrates how new technology can illuminate timeless human struggles. It proves that even virtual worlds cannot replace the fundamental need for human touch and presence.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the main theme of the film “LifeLike”?

The film explores a family’s disconnect in the face of a terminal illness. It examines how technology, faith, and virtual worlds become refuges. Ultimately, it is a story about rediscovering human connection.

How were the virtual reality scenes filmed?

The director and actors wore VR headsets and performed as avatars in VRChat. Ali Vatansever operated a virtual camera within the platform. Their movements and performances were captured directly from the virtual world.

What was the inspiration behind the movie?

Vatansever was partly inspired by the first euthanasia lawsuit in modern Turkey. He wanted to explore the moral ambiguity and human conflict surrounding end-of-life decisions. The story delves into the search for dignity.

How does the film view technology’s role?

The film presents technology initially as a refuge and safe space. It suggests these tools are meant to bring people closer together. The narrative questions whether they achieve this goal or create further isolation.

Who produced “LifeLike”?

The film is a co-production between companies in Turkey, Greece, and Romania. It received support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and broadcasters TRT and ERT. Terminal Film is the lead production company.