Love, Death & Robots: Alien Probes & Killer Cats?!

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In its fourth season, the animated anthology series “Love, Death & Robots” by Tim Miller and David Fincher returns to Netflix. This time, it hints at a long-held suspicion among cat owners: They are indeed plotting to dominate humans. Staying true to its style, the series continues to dazzle with exceptional creativity, dark wit, and genuine twists that reflect its ongoing development. While not every episode is a standout, there’s no weak link in the collection.

In the initial part, Fincher harks back to his past in music videos by presenting a lively rendition of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ renowned 2003 performance at Slane Castle, Ireland. He creatively depicts the legendary musicians and their enthusiastic fans as bobblehead puppets controlled by strings. The energetic antics on stage by the band are brilliantly portrayed here, featuring a tribute to their unique habit of wearing only socks during performances. There’s no deeper meaning behind this scene, but the captivating visuals combined with the Chili Peppers’ smash hit “Can’t Stop” make for an entertaining watch.

Great Humor in Season Four

Title Reinterpretation: Tiny Alien Tussles: A Hilarious Take on an Unconventional Alien Invasion

In this amusing spin, authors Robert Bisi and Andy Lyon bring laughter to the forefront by portraying a rapid-pace alien invasion reminiscent of blockbusters like Independence Day and War of the Worlds, but with miniature action figures. This particular installment showcases humor derived from human incompetence, offering an eight-minute rollercoaster ride of laughter. The animation is nothing short of impressive, original, and perfectly suited to the subject matter. (Rest assured, the alien probes perform exactly as one might anticipate.)

In the story titled “The Other Large Thing“, the spotlight shines on some formidable feline characters, including Sanchez, a cat with ambitions of global conquest. After long years of planning, Sanchez seeks the final piece necessary for his wicked scheme. Despite his seemingly affectionate meows and purrs, Sanchez harbors contempt for those who fail to provide him with tuna at every mealtime. However, their new robotic servant is privy to his thoughts – and it shares his disdain for the cat’s treatment. What transpires next is far from pleasant, serving as a reminder to all cat owners: Always keep an attentive eye on your furry companions, lest they plot mischief behind those innocent-looking eyes.

In the Year of 1757, London Serves as the Backdrop for “For Feline Foes Fierce Fight”, where our hero, Jeoffrey the cat, voiced by Dan Stevens, faces off against an army of furballs and the malevolent Satan. Jeoffrey’s tormented poet master has unwittingly caught the Devil’s attention. However, Satan underestimates his feline adversary. Director Emily Dean skillfully crafts stunning animations in a thrilling climax, as Satan and his cat enemies transform into fearsome shapes for an intense battle. Despite its brutal nature, the film manages to elicit a few hearty laughs along the way.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the recurring themes of human overconfidence, folly, and brutality that are so poignantly depicted in season four. In episode 6, titled ‘Golgotha’, we witness Rhys Darby brilliantly portray a trembling priest who finds himself confronting extraterrestrial visitors resembling squids clad in mechanical armor. These beings are highly spiritual and on a galactic quest for a messiah, and let’s just say they don’t have the highest regard for humanity.

Throughout this tense encounter, Darby masterfully conveys his character’s fear, confusion, and ultimate acceptance of destiny, which serves as an allegory for his own crisis of faith. This live-action segment packs a powerful punch in a brief runtime, inviting comparisons to the thought-provoking ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home’.

Spectacular Animation

In Love, Death & Robots Volume Four, Miller contributes two more stories. While these shorts are skillfully crafted, they don’t reach the heights of humor or emotional resonance as some of the standout pieces. “400 Boys” stands out with John Boyega leading a diverse voice cast in a post-apocalyptic setting where teams must confront their greatest threat yet. The 400 Boys are essentially colossal infants, reducing adversaries into mush with their massive stomps. The animation is exceptional, with the use of light and shadow in 2D artistry being particularly noteworthy. The segment bears a resemblance to 1979’s The Warriors after a nuclear apocalypse. It offers compelling character development, intense action sequences, but the narrative itself could be more profound.

In much the same vein, Miller’s work titled “The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur” can be compared to. The CGI episode featuring YouTuber Mr. Beast is set in a future spectacle reminiscent of ancient Rome’s “bread and circuses,” but this time on a space station orbiting Jupiter. Here, the masses participate in deadly races atop dinosaurs, while the affluent observe indifferently from floating platforms, oblivious to the pain and chaos unfolding beneath them. This particular segment stands out for its top-notch cinematic quality, particularly during a climactic battle where gladiators charge a triceratops and a tyrannosaurus rex into a fierce, bloody conflict.

In conclusion, the comedy series titled “Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners” provides plenty of laughter as it narrates its tale through the eyes of our household gadgets. Each appliance delivers a few witty lines such as a disgruntled smart toilet post-taco night and a puzzled vibrator questioning its function. The CGI animation resembles Claymation, striking an excellent balance between humor and subtlety. Although it boasts star-studded voice-overs from celebrities like Ronny Chieng, Amy Sedaris, and Kevin Hart, the short may require more time to truly flourish. The upcoming season promises a lighthearted viewing experience suitable for mature audiences, steering clear of topics that might confuse children like alien probes or sex toys.

The fourth volume of Love, Death & Robots is set to debut exclusively on Netflix on Thursday, May 15th. Catch it right here!

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2025-05-15 09:03