A captivating thriller: Axiome’s successful gamble
News . 03 Apr. 2025
Produced in 2023 as part of their final year of study at ESMA, the short film “Axiom” takes the viewer into a futuristic universe. Made by a talented team comprising Léa Cabiron, Hadrien Dalle, Coraline Debien, Maëlle des Abbayes, Nicolas Garcia, Romane Mayer, Paolo Peruzzo, Laurie Sarraute and Lucie Taglienti, it tells the story of Jia, a teenager who will do anything to save her mother.
A challenge met with flying colors
Condensed into just five minutes, time travel is a complex subject to explore, but the Axiome team has managed to produce a powerful and controlled narrative. This graduation short film, the result of ambitious and rigorous work, transforms this challenge into a resounding success. The story immerses us in the relentless quest of Jia, a young girl determined to defy time by repeatedly crossing a time portal, hoping to save her mother, Nami, a scientist who tragically disappeared in the explosion that she herself triggered.
The ambition behind Axiom is reflected in a deliberate desire to offer a film that is both profound and nuanced, anchored in a dark and tragic tone. This approach is visually reflected in an aesthetic marked by powerful motifs and a palette dominated by metallic hues, black and grey, creating an oppressive futuristic atmosphere.
By skillfully blending the mechanics of time loops with universal themes such as sacrifice, mourning and acceptance, the directors give their work a real emotional density. It is no coincidence that the film opens with an evocative quote from Epictetus: “Suffering arises when we try to control the uncontrollable or neglect what is in our power.” A choice that perfectly illustrates the heart of the story.
Technical mastery at the service of storytelling
Making Axiom involved overcoming many challenges, starting with the staging. How can time loops be translated visually without losing the viewer? How can a fluid and powerful story be told in just five minutes? Every artistic and narrative choice required pinpoint precision.
The film’s science fiction universe also imposed high standards. Rich in special effects, it required careful artistic direction and meticulous digital integration, demonstrating constant rigor at every stage of production.
A project guided by adaptability
The team had to demonstrate great flexibility throughout the production. Initially conceived as a level of video game, where each loop marked a progression punctuated by obstacles before reaching the final objective, the scenario was ultimately rethought. This reworking was necessary in order to harmonize the narrative with the requirements of the short format, thus guaranteeing a better fluidity and efficiency of the story.
Originally, Axiom was to be part of the Solar Punk aesthetic, an optimistic eco-futuristic movement. However, the complexity of this artistic direction, combined with a lack of accessible references and time constraints, led the team to review its approach to ensure a more controlled execution.
The narrative has also undergone significant adjustments, particularly in the dynamics between its characters. While Nami and Jia are now mother and daughter, they were originally conceived as sisters. This choice was changed during development to intensify the emotional impact of their relationship and reinforce the universal significance of grief at the heart of the story.
To achieve the desired level of finish, the team had to demonstrate flawless adaptability. Each decision was the result of constant discussions between the directors, requiring thoughtful compromises and rigorous coordination.
Thanks to their perseverance and their ability to reinvent themselves at each stage of the project, they have brilliantly brought their vision to life. Congratulations to the whole team for this work accomplished with talent and determination!