Landscape with Invisible Hand

By 2036, Earth has come under the control of an alien species known as the Vuvv. Their oppressive regime has led to widespread issues like unemployment and homelessness, while they attempt to present their arrival as a beneficial change for humanity.

Adam Campbell, an aspiring artist, prepares for school one morning as a massive Vuvv mothership casts a shadow over his home. This menacing presence serves as a constant reminder of the alien's dominance over their lives.

At school, the Vuvv implement a technology called nodes to educate students, reinforcing their propaganda about improving living conditions. This system replaces traditional teaching methods, further displacing human educators like Adam's teacher.

Adam's teacher, Mr. Stanley, announces his redundancy due to the Vuvv's preference for pre-recorded lessons. This distressing news marks a turning point in the school as the human element of education is steadily supplanted by Vuvv control.

After school, Adam and his classmate Chloe are devastated to learn of Mr. Stanley's suicide outside the school. This tragic event underscores the oppressive atmosphere created by the Vuvv and the psychological toll it takes on humanity.

As Adam grows closer to Chloe, he learns about her family's struggles, including their financial instability. Feeling sympathetic, he persuades his mother, Beth, to allow Chloe and her family to stay with them temporarily.

To earn currency in a world dominated by Vuvv entertainment, Adam and Chloe decide to broadcast their lives through the nodes. Their intimate moments gain popularity, leading to a significant increase in their income.

At the homecoming dance, Adam and Chloe witness another couple broadcasting their relationship, which ignites jealousy in Chloe. The couple faces mounting tensions as they confront their own feelings about their online personas vs. their true selves.

Upon returning home, Adam and Chloe find Beth engaged in a heated argument with Hunter and Mr. Marsh. This conflict exemplifies the strain their living situation has placed on both families under Vuvv control.

Adam and Chloe are summoned by higher-up Vuvv officials who accuse them of faking emotions during their broadcasts. This confrontation leads them to the Vuvv city where they must defend their authenticity and face severe repercussions.

Beth, using her legal expertise, meets with Vuvv representative Shirley to negotiate their situation. During this encounter, she learns about a Vuvv offspring’s desire to experience human emotions, which may provide a unique opportunity.

The Vuvv offspring, named 'Father', moves in with Adam's family, leading to a challenging adjustment. Beth tries to manage the situation, while Adam feels increasingly alienated and frustrated by Father's presence.

As the Vuvv continue their takeover, schools begin to close due to the firing of all educational staff. Adam channels his frustrations into creating a mural at school, which becomes a powerful statement against the Vuvv’s control.

Adam’s mural catches the attention of the Vuvv, who offer him a staggering $2 million to become their personal artist. However, Adam is horrified to find they have altered his mural, transforming its powerful message into something hollow.

In the aftermath of his rejection of the Vuvv offer, Adam reunites with Chloe. Together they embark on a new artistic journey, creating a mural titled 'Landscape with Invisible Hand', symbolizing their resilience and shared creativity.