A full-length artificial intelligence (AI) movie called Critterz, backed by Sam Altman’s OpenAI, has entered production — a move that has ignited heated debate over ethics, creativity and the future of artists in the film industry.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the film will incorporate OpenAI’s video-generation tool Sora into its production pipeline. The project is expected to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in France, with OpenAI reportedly aiming to show that its technology can create films at a fraction of Hollywood’s costs.
AI versus artistry
Critics argue that lower budgets do not necessarily translate into better films. Online backlash has highlighted AI’s limitations, pointing to the often awkward movement, anatomical errors and what some describe as the “soulless” quality of machine-generated imagery.
Artists and animators say such projects risk devaluing years of human craftsmanship. Traditional filmmaking combines visuals, music, storytelling and cinematography to create unique worlds — elements many believe AI still struggles to replicate.
One user review on IMDb rated Critterz 2.6 out of 10, calling it “AI garbage” and condemning its creators for embracing a “trashy fad” that dismisses the role of animators.
From short film to feature-length
Critterz was first introduced as a short film in 2023 by Los Angeles studio Native Foreign, which used OpenAI’s DALL·E 2 during both pre-production and production. The short drew sharp criticism, but also industry attention for its experimental use of AI.
The full-length feature will be produced once again by Native Foreign and directed by Chad Nelson. In an Instagram post, Nelson described the project as a “shot-for-shot remake” of the original short, but this time remastered using Sora.
“One year ago @openai introduced Sora to the world. To celebrate, we are launching Critterz — Remastered,” Nelson wrote.
The wider debate
The project has become a lightning rod in a broader conversation about AI’s role in creative industries. Advocates see potential for reduced costs and faster workflows, while opponents warn of job losses and the erosion of artistry.
As Critterz moves forward, the Cannes debut will serve not only as a test of Sora’s technical power but also as a gauge of how far audiences are willing to accept AI as a storyteller.
