Love, Deaths and Robots is a stunning antology series which is made of short, impactful and animated shorts which shock and shake to the bone for its wits, gore and marvellous visuals and graphics. It's hard to say which is the best episode because every short has its own style and story, which make them all unique and with different degrees of memorability. Let's find out which one emerged as the best one in this cornucopia of animated masterpieces.
26. Automated Customer Service Score: 6.28
This the least interesting episode in the bunch because it adresses a cliche theme in science fiction which is killer robots. There's a lot of comedy and all revolve around a robot cleaner who's gone rogue and initiate an elder's hunt. We're given glimpse to a society of only old people who live an easy life, in extreme symbiosis with technology. Beside the cliche, there seems to be a social commentary about elder care and a light bantering toward a part society which is usually technologically averse. It's funny and some shots are very well done, which help amping up the short's comedy. The last scene is between silly and frightening.
Scores: Script:7; Acting:6; Photography:6; Editing:6; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
25. The Dump Score: 6.28
An episode based in a dump where an homeless man meet what could be considered the trash spirit. It's grotesque but it's funny to watch, even though it isn't perfect. I liked the southern characterization of the protagonist, in strong contrast with the posed and annoying inspector. The story adress einveironment issues about the waste disposal but it does it in a comedic way, which undermines the impression made by the episode. I liked the twist, which is unexpected and sad. I think that this short gets right the soundtrack which ha s the typical southern tunes and fits the story perfectly, even though it isn't that special. Another strength of the episode is the fact that is extremely dynamic and the cgi is perfectly rough and well done to give it a dirtier look.
Scores: Script:7; Acting:6; Photography:5; Editing:6; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:6
24. Ice Age Score: 6.42
An interesting but flawed reflection about civilization. The problem is that it focuses more on the "Gods", which are two simple humans, point of view rather than taking the side of the fridge's people. I liked how the characters reacted when the society was on the brink of oblivion and its subsequent resurgence. The ending is open for interpretations but it think that it represents a cyclical conception of time and the fact that we could become a single conscience made of different minds. It's the only episode with live action scenes and it's one of the least interesting, because it feels out of place and the acting isn't that good.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:7; Photography:5; Editing:6; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
23. The Tall Grass Score: 6.57
It's an horror with a pretty simple premise: a man wanders in tall grass and is attacked by unknown monsters. The animation isn't top notch, but it works very well, and it reminds of The Dump. I liked the design of the monsters and the concept which seems to be inspired by the 2019 movie In the Tall Grass. I liked how they used a red lighting to enhance the moments of danger and create a sense of dread. The ending is particularly disturbing, because the conductor oblige the man to keep it a secret, therefore neglecting every other death which will occur afterwards. There seems to be no moral, at first sight, but the damages of neglect could be considered one.
Scores: Script:7; Acting:7; Photography:7; Editing:6; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
22. Fish Night Score: 6.57
This is is one of the best looking episodes. The idea is interesting but it's executed in an half-baked way. I think that the animation is what lower the experience's quality because I don't think that's the best choice and I think that it could've worked better with a more realistic style. The characters, a father and son, are explored superficially but their personality are well defined. I don't understand why they didn't go looking for a house or a gas station, this is a very dumb choice. Nonetheless the concept is pretty interesting, because it's tragic. The kid's death is represented by a supernatural allegory, which is linked to his desire to go and see the sea.
Scores: Script:7; Acting:7; Photography:8; Editing:5; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:5
21. Blind Spot Score: 6.71
You'll be trolled big time by this kind of narrative. A group of robots, and I underline robots, attempt an heist to a cargo and succed in it with a lot of losses. And this is where the troll comes in: you care about the death of robots which, at the end, is revealed that their memory was loaded somewhere safe. Death becomes inconsequential and it's a clever joke, because you are aware of that from the first time but the fact that you're used to certain kind of tropes, you avoid using logic. It's not the best looking story but it's dynamic and funny. The ending is the cherry on top.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:7; Photography:5; Editing:8; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:5
20. Soul Sucker Score: 6.71
Here we have the episode with the simplest animation. Nonetheless, the story is moderately interesting. It's a reimagining of the character of Dracula and his weakness, which here are cats. It's particularly gory and the action is well done. We are offered glimpses of interesting characters and an interesting story. The kid's death is scene is the best scene in the whole episode because it's terrifying and particularly twisted. The ending, as the whole series, is pretty sad because, even though the characters have showed us that they are able to endure one creature like Dracula, they find themselves in the Draculas nest and that means certain death.
Scores: Script:6; Acting:7; Photography:7; Editing:7; Special Effects:7; Soundtrack:7; Costumes:6
19. All Through the House Score: 6.85
So disturbed and chilling. The concept of a mostruous Santa Clause isn't new but here is done is such a way that leave you astonished. The design of the monster is wonderful and twisted and it makes you feel dread for all his screen time. You'll care about the kids life, a lot. Everything the monster does is creepy and the way it produces the gifts is so revolting. The ending is weird because in the end the kids receive what they wanted and it's a bit off putting. The animation fits the narration and has Burton vibes, by reminding you of movies like The Nightmare before Christmas and Frankenweenie.
Scores: Script:7; Acting:7; Photography:7; Editing:7; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:6
18. Shapeshifters Score: 6.85
It revamps Dog Soldier plot but it uses the concept to do a sharp social commentary about war, racism and meritocracy. The acting is mediocre but it's helped by a fantastic animation and cool action scenes. The design of the werewolfs is beautiful and the battle scene at the end is what makes this episode special. The fact that the protagonist chooses to give up his military career to live a life among nature, it's a good message, because it means that you could always find a place in this world, you jst have to sacrifice something.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:7; Photography:6; Editing:7; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
17. Good Hunting Score: 6.85
A steampunk short which explore the role of magic in a society which is embracing progress. The main characters are likeable and their relationship is sweet. It's interesting how magic and technology are analysed in two opposite ways: the first one is first described as wrong and vicious but it turns out good and benevolent, the second one is shown with the opposite sequence of events. When the girl shows progress becomes the enemy but it's through that she achieves, with the help of his lover, the freedom and desire which was lacking due to a loss of magic. It's a satisfying ending which intertwine two, at first, opposing concept and it uses it to empower and give a beatiful arch to a character which is mistreated. There's a strong social commentary toward colonialism, education, dogmas, women's violence and objectification amd the dychotomy progress-magic. It's one of the best episodes because it's so enjoyable. It loses a bit with a simple animation, which, sometimes, is clunky.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:7; Photography:6; Editing:7; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
16. Life Hutch Score: 7
A simple premise with a very good execution helped by the marvellous acting of Michael B. Jordan. The concept of a soldier stranded on an unknown planet with a robot who's willing to kill him it's so good. We see him struggling to survive and beat the robot, who act like a cats, attracted by the light, because uses a system of heat vision. Why he's there isn't completely explained, frames of a star battle are shown but most of it is left to the imagination. The point is that the end isn't good, for me. He's saved but I would've preferred a situation where his surviving would've been left open to interpretations. The cgi is awesome and lifelike, which makes everything more believable.
Scores: Script:7; Acting:8; Photography:8; Editing:6; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
15. Ice Score: 7
The concept is pretty simple: some guys in the arctic run on the ice for fun and avoiding being killed by whales. The point is that we don't know much about why they're there and why some of them seem to be physically enhanced. This episode id more about the visual rather than the plot. And it delivers a ot for what is about photography with beatiful and dreamy frames which are a blend of handrawn and cgi animation. At the end is implied that there's some sort of fast healing factor in one of the boys and the episode cut there, teasing us. I like it but I think that the animation, the one which is about the humans, isn't that impressing and that lower the story's quality.
Scores: Script:6; Acting:7; Photography:9; Editing:8; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
14. Zima Blue Score: 7
AI and Conscience are the theme of this short, which manages to deal with it in a wonderful way. It explores the idea that after a multitude of updates a machine won't be able to know if he's human or not. It's even more difficult for who's actually human. The arch of Zima Blue is very well done and nothing is left out. It's also a reflection about the cycle of life and death. The episode has great visuals, which takes us through the cosmos, and good voice acting. I think that the voice of Zima Blue is on pitch and fits the character perfectly. Who's a bit underused is the journalist who doesn't get a clear characterization. Overall is a very good episode with an interesting theme. I think that the animation is what elevate and damage the episode, because sometimes the animation isn't good enough. You'll notice it, especially in the first act, with the journalist's boat.
Scores: Script:9; Acting:7; Photography:8; Editing:6; Special Effects:7; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:6
13. Lucky 13 Score: 7
As Zima Blue, this is an episode about AI. Here is explored the relationship which could be established between a human and a machine. We see the pilot and the aircraft form a strong bond which takes them through a lot of battles with an unknown enemy. The ending is where we're left with a doubt: did the aircraft kill herself at the right moment or it was just a glitch? The episode is carried by a marvellous Samira Wileya and the animation is the best you can expect from a series like Love, Death and Robots. The visuals aren't that good but it works fine.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:7; Photography:6; Editing:6; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:7
12. Suits Score: 7
This episode has an interesting twist which goes against the usual alien inviasion's movie tropes. The characters are fleshed out and you care about them and you fell the loss. I liked the concept of mecha suits applied to farmers, because it's bonkers and fits well in a country set. There're some cliches but it works very well as a short. I think, also, that the editing helps a lot, to make the twist more impactful. The animation is good and I think that i works because it isn't iper realistic.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:8; Photography:7; Editing:7; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
11. The Drowned Giant Score: 7,28
A giant appears on a beach changing the life of a simple town. A premise which seems like Guliver's Travel. the point that here is reversed and the giant is dead. The animation is outstanding and the theme is pretty sharp. It shows how we are able to destroy a wonder by reducing it to a thing of the past and implementing it in our everyday life, because we're not able to understand the beauty of life and we live only for thing which are ephemeral. I've also found the voice acting particularly pleasing and soothing.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:8; Photography:8; Editing:6; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:6
10. Alternative Timelines Score: 7,28
One of the funniest episodes but it's sharp as a razor at poking fun at the multiple universes theory. The idea to make it revolve around Hitler is genial and I think that it's both extremely interesting and extremely bonkers, especially the ending. I think that the acting, the animation and the soundtrack fit perfectly this short. Even though is a lighthearted one, it implies something twisted. Some scenarios are a bit off the chart but it works well, because it's self aware.
Scores: Script:9; Acting:7; Photography:6; Editing:8; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:7; Costumes:6
9. The Yoghurt Score: 7,28
The shortest short in the list but one of the most effective. It uses the Yoghurt as a proxy for AI and shows how society would manage the relationship with it. The odd animation fit the weird but clever script, which is made by interesting visuals and a kind of editing which is particularly impressive. The ending leave us on a cliffhanger that'll be stuck in your mind. There's also a bit of social commentary toward politics and their inability to change things. They're used to represent how feeble the mankind is against AIs. It's also about riots and how they unveil, by showing how corny and useless they're becoming. Our destiny is, most of the time, in the hand of morons and AIs could be the solution to this issue.
Scores: Script:9; Acting:7; Photography:8; Editing:8; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:5
8. 3 Robots Score: 7,28
Three Robots of different generations venture in a post-apocalyptic earth by poking fun at the mankind's customs. It's a simple and original premise that is enriched by its witty dialogues about consumism, conscience, human stupidity, cats and all is done in a semiserious way. Sometimes a character go astray, by saying deep and meaningful things which are on point but is stopped by comedy. The animation is great and every robot has its own design. I've appreciated also how they represented the earths condition. To be sincere the best scene, which is a brilliant spoof of Terminator.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:8; Photography:8; Editing:7; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:5; Costumes:6
7. Snow in the Desert Score: 7,42
That's an interesting short set in a planet which seems like mars, but it could be earth after being subjected to years and years of global warming, and populated by humans, hybrids and aliens. It revolves around an albino who doesn't age who is hunted for being like that. It's a story about the problems created by immortality and its consequences. He has always been alone but an unexpected encounter will let him find someone to live with, someone who understand his struggle. There're a lot of beautiful shots and the cgi is almost flawless. What keep the episode from being in the top 3 is the low quality of the acting.
Scores: Script:7; Acting:7; Photography:8; Editing:7; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:8
6. Pop Squad Score: 7,42
A sci-fi noir who is about an officer who, after having executed his job, starts a journey of self discovery. This episode is shocking and it's pretty bold with the ideas it decides to show. It's not explicitly said what's his job but we could assume that he has to control the population by killing every newborn to keep everyone rich and "happy". It isn't a future so far and impossible. There's an object which is used masterfully to create a strong dissonance in the audience and the protagonist. The fact that it isn't of no importance in the end, is what makes everything more depressing. The ending is left open but we're left hoping for him to make the right choice, in a society made of bad ones.
Scores: Script:9; Acting:8; Photography:8; Editing:6; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:6
5. Helping Hand Score: 7,42
With a premise like Gravity this short could've been a rip-off but it managed to impress, because it's able to succed where the movie fails: the space seems more threatning here. It's also interesting how the story is set in motion, which is a strong criticism toward the bad managing of space debris. The protagonist is extremely likely because she's active and you'll fear for her life. What impressed me was the hard choice the main character is obliged to do in order to save his life. Something which is visually and conceptually shocking. The last scene is heavily bonded to the dialogues, a detail which delight the audience. The animation is pretty good and the acting is top notch. I liked some frames about the earth and space, which are extremely beautiful.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:7; Photography:8; Editing:7; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:7; Costumes:6
4. The Secret War Score: 7,71
I liked it a lot. One of the most exciting episodes made of a great script set in Tzarist Russia, something that isn't so common today. Ony Shadow and Bone did something like that. This short is a blend of three genres: war, history and horror. The backstory of the creatures is so fascinating that you'll desire a movie about it. The graphic and the music are on point, almost perfect and the acting fits the character. It takes itself seriously but it's able to have moments of levity, where the Russian culture is showcased. Battle scenes are marvellously shot and well edited, to amp up the drama and coolness of every frame. The last scene is what makes this movie a tragedy and the score is what makes it special.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:7; Photography:8; Editing:6; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:8; Costumes:8
3. The Witness Score: 7,85
It's a time loop. Just it makes the short cool and intriguing. A girl and and a man are in a continuous loop. It seems like Palm Springs but it's more twisted. The episode it's bold enough to excite you and shock you with flashy colours, a magnificent animation which is like the one used in Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse. Nothing is tacit and on the screen you'll see blood, orgies, nudity and an accurate portraying of people n drags. Some scene are disturbing but if you have a strong gut you could get throught them. I think that this is has almost the best script in the bunch but it's flawed due to a lack of good acting and an obnoxious soundtrack.
Scores: Script:8; Acting:6; Photography:9; Editing:9; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:8
2. Sonnie's Edge Score: 7,85
The first episode of the season, the one which will make you fall in love with the series. Everything is extremely cool: the visuals, the animation, the costumes and the concept. Monsters controlled by a neural link face each other in death matches. Every character is fleshed out and a lot is left to the imagination, which makes it extremely fascinating. Sonnie is a character you would like to see a movie about because everything about her is interesting, his backstory, his ability and his nature. The final double twist is the cherry on top. Especially the very last, because it overturn our first initial conception and open this universe to more possibilitie which are all left to our imagination.
Scores: Script:9; Acting:7; Photography:9; Editing:8; Special Effects:8; Soundtrack:6; Costumes:8
1. Beyond the Aquila Rift Score: 8
I don't know how many times I've rewatched this masterpiece. It has everything you want: a great script which is inspired by Matrix with an horror twist, likeable characters, marvellous scenes, a relevant and memorable soundtrack, a haunting and fascinating villain, with an incredible design. The animation is very realistic, to the point of being lifelike. It's hard to find something bad here, maybe the acting is a bit lacking a scene, but overall everything is almost perfectly crafted. Every object and image on display has a meaning and a use, this is so good. I'm gonna say that this short is able to make the sex scene extremely exciting and beutiful. So beutiful that when the twist hits you, you'll be as frightnened as the protagonist. The ending is the best part of this short and it will be in your mind forever, because none could forget this kind of imagery and what it implies. I'm speechless.
Scores: Script:9; Acting:7; Photography:8; Editing:8; Special Effects:9; Soundtrack:8; Costumes:7
This is what I think about every single episode of Love, Death and Robots, a series you have to watch and rewatch. Do you agree with me or you think that some episodes derved more. Tell me in the comments because I'm dying to know it.
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