I watched some of the new season of Love and Robots on Netflix and the first “episode” caught my attention. It had very tight economical story telling. The introduction to the world with elderly people and robots caring for them. The main character doing yoga, the dog, the neighbor cleaning his gun, the robot. They were all introduced well, minimal dialogue. Also their introductions hinted at future events. The yoga is eventually helpful in killing the robot. The neighbor’s gun is also helpful.
I looked it up and it was based on a short story by John Scalzi. You can find it here. Interestingly, the short story focused on the customer service line automated voice. It was also posted in 2018. It doesn’t seem to introduce the protagonist or neighbor, or the elderly town section.
It is interesting to note the difference between a short story that works and a short film that works. The short story is a clear narrative voice. The short film opens with setting then intro the characters. Then the problem. The customer service line doesn’t come in until later.
Another note is the quick reversals like the neighbor about to blast the robot with the shotgun, then getting electrocuted.