Exit Strategy (15:03)
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This 2018 short film was presented by Dust, also in 2018.
So, a genius in mathematics named Shane shows up at a diner one morning, waiting for his brother, a firefighter named Matt, to come in. The two haven't seen each other in years, and Matt is surprised and happy to see Shane. Shane, however, is preoccupied with the reason for his visit. He demonstrates an ability to predict the immediate future, and then insists Matt come with him to a spot in the woods where he says a fire is going to break out. Shane soon explains that he has created a time loop, and they've tried many times to stop the fire, but there are always obstacles that prevent their success. (Matt doesn't remember any of this, of course, but he goes along with his brother, anyway.) It's obvious that each failure has taught Shane how to change their actions to come ever closer to succeeding. And this time around, they finally arrive at their destination in time. However, there's a plot twist that I don't want to spoil. I'll just say that Shane once again jumps back in time and starts over with his meeting Matt at the diner. And this time, his intentions are totally different than they've ever been. It's a very bittersweet conclusion to the story, but very touching. And from a storytelling perspective, a well-earned ending.