Landscape with Invisible Hand

By the year 2036, Earth has fallen under the control of an alien species known as the Vuvv, leading to issues like unemployment and homelessness as they impose their new order. Despite their oppressive rule, the Vuvv attempt to convince humans that their arrival has brought benefits. Amid this turmoil lives Adam Campbell, an aspiring artist, along with his lawyer mother Beth Campbell and sister Natalie. One morning, as Adam prepares for school, a massive Vuvv mothership hovers ominously above his house.

At school, the Vuvv utilize technology called nodes to educate students, further spreading their propaganda to suggest improvements in living conditions. The situation takes a dire turn when Adam’s teacher, Mr. Stanley (Josh Hamilton), announces his redundancy, instigated by the Vuvv’s preference for pre-recorded lessons. After the school day ends, Adam engages in a conversation with his classmate Chloe Marsh, but their conversation is abruptly interrupted by the shocking news of Mr. Stanley’s suicide outside the school.

As Adam and Chloe grow closer, he learns that she lives with her father Mr. Marsh and older brother Hunter Marsh, who are facing their own struggles. Moved by their situation and his feelings for Chloe, Adam asks Beth if Chloe and her family can stay with them until they stabilize financially. Though initially hesitant, Beth ultimately consents to their arrangement.

As Adam and Chloe embark on a budding relationship, they come up with a daring idea to broadcast their lives to the Vuvv in hopes of earning currency, as the aliens seem to treat human relationships like entertainment. They leverage their nodes to share every intimate moment—from school days to cozy evenings at home—yielding a substantial income that aids in improving their living environment. However, tension rises as Adam starts feeling insecure, worried that Chloe’s affection is contingent on the broadcast.

The climax of their teenage life arrives at the homecoming dance, where they witness another couple broadcasting their relationship, stirring Chloe’s jealousy and prompting a confrontation. Adam’s desire to disconnect from the nodes clashes with Chloe’s refusal. Returning home, they find Beth embroiled in a dispute with Hunter and Mr. Marsh, who had used her computer without consent, illustrating the strain their living situation creates.

As external pressures mount, Adam and Chloe struggle to maintain their authenticity in front of the Vuvv. Their forced smiles and expressions ultimately lead to dwindling earnings, resulting in a summons from higher-up Vuvv officials. The two ascend to the Vuvv city, where they meet Shirley, a representative from the Vuvv. She reveals that they are being accused of deceiving the Vuvv by faking their emotions during the broadcast, and presents them with a harsh ultimatum: refund their earnings or face six generations of debt.

In a bid to help, Beth approaches the Vuvv, wielding her legal expertise to negotiate a different outcome. During her meeting with Shirley, she learns that the Vuvv has a curious offspring who wishes to experience human emotions. Beth persuades Shirley to let the Vuvv offspring stay with them, claiming this exposure might prove valuable for their understanding of human affection.

Once the Vuvv offspring, whom they name “Father,” moves in, Beth finds his presence increasingly grating, especially as he tries to impose his authority. Meanwhile, Adam deeply resents Father, often clashing with him. One night, Adam’s estranged father visits while the family sleeps, leading to an awkward conversation that leaves Adam conflicted about his feelings for both parents.

Beth eventually secures employment at a soup restaurant, asserting her independence despite Father’s attempts to keep her confined to home. In a twist of fate, Mr. Marsh awkwardly assumes a domestic role for Father, highlighting the absurdities of their new living arrangements.

As Adam continues pursuing his passion for art, the school closes down due to the Vuvv’s firings of all educational staff. He channels his feelings into creating an expansive mural at the school, which catches the attention of the Vuvv once more. His art serves as a powerful testament to humanity’s endurance amid adversity, leading to an astonishing offer from the Vuvv to become their personal artist, promising a staggering $2 million.

However, upon arriving at their ship, Adam discovers that the Vuvv have altered his mural, diluting its message. When pressed to conform to their narrative, Adam rejects their demands, choosing instead to return to Earth to his family, feeling like a failure. Yet, Beth reassures him that they are proud of him for standing by their principles.

In the days that follow, Adam reunites with Chloe, who speaks sympathetically about his lost opportunity and the injustice of the Vuvv’s actions. Inspired, he begins a new mural, inviting Chloe to collaborate with him. The story concludes with a title card revealing that their evolving project will be named “Landscape with Invisible Hand,” symbolizing both their shared creativity and irrepressible spirit.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:17