I-PAL is set in the year 2056. Matthew is the sole survivor of the world’s largest shipwreck. She washes ashore on a deserted volcanic island, accompanied only by a small stowaway fly and her personal neuro-link, the iPal.

After assessing the available data, her iPal concludes that the most logical resolution to Matthew’s dilemma is to end her life. It advises Matthew that suicide is the best course of action. For the first time in her life, Matthew rejects the iPal’s recommendation. Her veto is not only an act of rebellion against the iPal, it also sparks the realization that she is capable of making her own choices. It is the moment when her humanity awakens.

But the iPal refuses to relinquish control over Matthew’s thoughts. Through manipulative conversation, it pulls her back toward the deep abyss of dependence on neuro-link decisions.

As the battle between them reaches its peak, Matthew gives up. In her final moments, the stowaway fly suddenly reappears, and with it, a newfound hope.

Screenplay Extract:

iPAL

Where are you now?

MATTHEW

Where you told me I am. On this nothing tiny island, in the middle of nowhere, with a computer bug stuck in my ear.

iPAL

Exactly…  As you said, Matthew, this island is nothing in the middle of nowhere.  Now think, the difference between nothing and the rest of the world is enormous, but there is very little difference between this island, which is nothing and… absolutely nothing, which is death.

Film Treatment:

iPal was filmed on location on a small, deserted island in the Palawan Archipelago in the South Pacific. Open horizons, picturesque setup, and natural lighting give the audience a fresh breath of air and life. The underwater cinematography adds depth and dimension. The CGI are used in subtle ways to help blend reality with an illusion, producing an otherworldly visual landscape.