J.B. Ghuman Jr.'s paSSive poWer is less of a traditional film and more of an immersive experience, blending sensory stimulation, movement, and philosophical reflection into a visually striking 360 VR journey. Shot with the powerful 11K Insta360 TITAN Camera, this short experimental piece challenges conventional storytelling by inviting the viewer to engage in a cerebral and emotional exploration of human existence.
From the very start, paSSive poWer asks its audience to remove all labels and strip their minds of preconceived notions. The film begins with a host who gently guides viewers into a meditative mindset before stepping away, leaving us alone with a lone figure standing motionless in front of an ever-evolving screen. As the music swells, the figure begins to dance in a hypnotic manner, mirroring the shifting landscapes behind him—vivid, dreamlike environments reminiscent of a live DJ set at an electronic music festival.
The film plays with perception, utilizing a mix of abstract visuals, color changes, and floating words that prompt self-reflection. The transition between different realms—space-like voids, neon-lit Tron-esque worlds, and organic landscapes—creates a mesmerizing flow that feels like slipping between consciousness and subconsciousness. The presence of a small, almost out-of-place exit sign in the background adds an oddly surreal and grounding element, subtly reminding viewers that they are still tethered to reality.
Ghuman integrates audio cues and voiceovers that weave in themes of energy, self-awareness, and interconnectedness. At one point, the dancer vanishes into smoke as the repeated word "ho" echoes across the screen, only to return in sync with the rhythm of a new track. Other moments include a glowing brain forming amidst an onslaught of floating text, and a see-through human figure appearing just as a nostalgic audio clip from Disney’s Pinocchio—"I've got no strings to hold me down"—fills the soundscape. The layering of movement, music, and philosophical prompts creates a trance-like experience that is both beautiful and ephemeral.
Visually, paSSive poWer is undeniably stunning. The sheer clarity and depth of the 8K 3D 360 VR cinematography make every scene feel hyperreal, immersing the viewer in a way few traditional films can. Watching it on a standard TV was compelling, but it’s clear this piece was designed for a fully immersive VR experience, where the nuances of depth and space can be truly appreciated.
However, while the film excels as an experimental art piece, it lacks a strong narrative or emotional anchor. It feels more like a meditation exercise or an advanced tech demo rather than a story with a definitive arc. The visual splendor and thematic musings are engaging, but the absence of a personal connection or deeper substance may leave some viewers feeling detached.
Ultimately, paSSive poWer is a visually mesmerizing, thought-provoking experiment that showcases the cutting-edge capabilities of immersive filmmaking. Though it may not resonate on an emotional level for all audiences, it succeeds as a dreamlike voyage into movement, energy, and the fluid nature of existence. If given the opportunity, experiencing it in VR with 3D glasses is highly recommended to fully appreciate its artistic ambition.
Jessie Hobson