Film · The Signal
Trees Are Watching raises a difficult question for hybrid filmmaking
A Variety review of Bahman Ghobadi's film praised its performances but argued that some generated imagery disrupted the experience.
Reporting updated Sep 23, 2026
A Variety review of Bahman Ghobadi's film praised its performances but argued that some generated imagery disrupted the experience.
What Happened
Bahman Ghobadi's Trees Are Watching mixes filmed performances with generated visual sequences used for flashbacks, connective scenes and world-building. In its TIFF review, Variety's critic praised the actors while questioning how the generated imagery sat beside their work. This is a critic's assessment, not an independently measured audience verdict. The available source does not document the precise AI models or full postproduction workflow. For creators, the interesting challenge is how a shot functions inside a sequence. Even a striking image may pull attention away from a performance if its texture, motion or mood feels disconnected from the surrounding footage.
Why It Matters
Independent filmmakers experimenting with hybrid production can learn more by screening a finished sequence than judging isolated generated frames. Timing, acting and visual consistency matter together.
VEYR Angle
The meaningful test for AI imagery is whether it helps the audience stay inside the story. The film provides a real example for examining that creative decision.