Foreign media commentators have noted that the AI-generated film *Hell Grind* is more than just a technology demonstration. While it can briefly evoke emotions in certain scenes, the overall viewing experience is constantly disrupted by the "uncanny valley." This film also allows the film industry to see more directly how generative AI is moving from a post-production tool to a more complete production process.
The 95-minute film cost approximately $500,000.
"Hell Grind," developed by startup Higgsfield AI, premiered at the Cannes Film Market in May. The 95-minute film is touted as one of the most anticipated fully AI-generated visual films to date.
The report mentions that Higgsfield AI was valued at over $1 billion earlier this year. The company invested approximately $500,000 in the film, with a significant portion of the budget allocated to computing power. The production team generated approximately 100 hours of footage using highly detailed text prompts, which were then edited into the final version.
The script is still mainly written by real people.
The film did not rely entirely on AI. The report states that the script was primarily written by humans, with only a small number of filler scenes generated by AI. Alex Mashrabov, CEO of Higgsfield AI, also acknowledged that these AI-generated short segments had a weaker impact in the final film and were more easily detected by the audience.
Judging from the final product, the film has achieved a certain level of visual completion, and the narrative is also passable. Overall, it is more like a hybrid of video game cutscenes and heavy special effects movies.
The character's movements and voice acting still feel out of place.
However, the problems are equally apparent. The review noted that the characters' movements are sometimes unnatural, with child characters being particularly prone to causing discomfort. The voice acting is also inconsistent, sometimes even showing discrepancies in accents. These details constantly pull the audience out of the story.
The production company prioritizes cost reduction and speed-up.
This commentary argues that while AI actors and screenwriters may not be widely adopted in high-quality auteur films in the short term, their appeal is growing for budget-conscious studios, especially in genres with high special effects costs such as action and science fiction.
Meanwhile, the entry of generative AI into the film and television industry is exacerbating the anxieties of industry professionals. The report mentions that the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) just passed new contract wording this week, requiring producers to consult with producers when using "synthetic performers." This indicates that the industry has begun to view the replacement of human actors with AI as a real problem.
The article also mentions that as post-production teams increasingly use AI for effects such as rejuvenation, some short drama actors are already facing pressure to be replaced by AI characters. For independent filmmakers, AI may also bring another side: making large-scale scenes that would otherwise be difficult to film on a budget.
