95% of the human genome is composed of redundant gene sequences. They appear to have no known biological function. Could a chance event reactivate them? Genetic freaks wander the streets courtesy of irresponsible pharmaceutical companies.

THE GATE is a short film from the Joyrider production house and director Matt Westrup is, first a foremost, a really nice looking bit of film making. Working on what I assume is a very small budget, Westrup has created some really nifty looking visual effects. The genetic anomalies are really cool looking and the scene where the government storm troopers meet one of the freaks on the street was very well done.

The overall vibe of the short was a bit too dry though and the ending made it seem like a public service announcement on the perils of buying medicine online. Since the short has been picked up by a major movie studio, I am hoping that the genetic manipulation concept gets punched up more and the genetic mishaps are given more screen time than the stuffy dialog in back rooms.