Introduction

Apple has entered a new frontier of storytelling with "Submerged," a captivating short film that marks the debut use of Apple Immersive Video technology for its Vision Pro headset. Directed by esteemed filmmaker Edward Berger, who received an Oscar for his previous work, this 17-minute experience immerses viewers in the perilous depths of a WWII submarine under attack.

The Unique Experience of Viewing 'Submerged'

As I settled into Apple's demo space in Manhattan, the unique nature of the experience became apparent. With no traditional audience around, I prepared to embark on a solo adventure, strapping the Vision Pro headset onto my face. The moment the film began, I was no longer a mere spectator; I was thrust into the heart of a sinking submarine, surrounded by its claustrophobic confines.

Interactivity and Immersion

Viewing "Submerged" is an experience unlike any traditional film. While it’s impossible to fully escape the awareness of wearing a headset, the format offers an intriguing interplay of choice and narrative. Although the main action unfolds before me, I felt emboldened to glance around at all the intricate details—the rusted rivets on the submarine's walls, beads of water accumulating in a torpedo tube, or even a cockroach scuttling by. This degree of engagement brings a fresh element to storytelling, allowing the viewer to explore a more immersive world, albeit within a limited 180-degree vista.

Hybrid Format of Film and Gaming

These choices create a hybrid of a movie and a video game, drawing conceptual parallels to immersive theater productions like "Sleep No More," where the audience interacts with the environment while the narrative unfolds around them. Berger expressed that crafting a film for such a wide field of view requires meticulous planning; every detail matters, pushing filmmakers to think differently about storytelling.

Emotional Engagement and Isolation

The results can be striking. As I watched the chaos of water rushing into the submarine, a faint memory of saltwater hit my tongue. Moments of suspense forced my body to react—particularly during tense sequences when electrical systems failed and sailors loaded a torpedo, leading me to involuntarily reach out as if to catch it. Berger aims for viewers to empathize with the characters' emotions, and "Submerged" succeeds in delivering that deeply visceral experience.

The Solitary Nature of the Experience

This cinematic journey, however, is marked by a sense of isolation. Unlike traditional cinemas where gasps and shared reactions create a collective thrill, the Vision Pro experience is solitary. The only other "participants" are ghostly digital representations of friends through SharePlay, missing the whole immersive spirit. After experiencing the film, I realized that discussing its intricacies with others who haven’t witnessed it firsthand feels like speaking a different language.

Accessibility and Investment

Although "Submerged" showcases the technological prowess of the Vision Pro, it raises questions about accessibility and sharing. The $3,500 price tag makes it clear that experiencing this new wave of storytelling isn't for everyone. For many, it may not be a compelling enough reason to invest in the device, especially for a relatively brief film.

The Filmmaker's Perspective

Berger acknowledges that not every movie needs this immersive format, but sees the Vision Pro as a valuable addition in the cinematic toolkit. "If I have the right story, I want to push the medium forward," he states, emphasizing that innovation is key.

The Duality of Mixed Reality Technology

The tension lies in the dual nature of mixed reality technology—both magical and isolating. It offers an exhilarating experience while simultaneously leaving one longing for connection with others. Once the headset is removed, it can be challenging to articulate why the Vision Pro experience captivates in ways traditional cinema cannot.

Conclusion

In the end, "Submerged" is an impressive testament to what the future of immersive storytelling could look like—but it also highlights the challenges that come with it. Awareness that thrilling experiences exist within a virtual world does not necessarily detract from the richness of narrative storytelling; however, as the curtain falls on this technological marvel, many might find solace in the simplicity of a well-crafted tale told without a headset.