Upgrade Not Found

Upgrade Not Found: A Vertical Sci-Fi Thriller for the Age of AI

How much of your soul would you delete to start over?

From the creative mind of Jordan Krumbine and Emergency Creative comes Upgrade Not Found, a groundbreaking, feature-length psychological thriller that challenges the boundaries of indie filmmaking. Shot natively in a vertical "screen life" format, this 100-minute cinematic experience is designed specifically for the device that dominates our lives: the smartphone.

The Story: A Glitch in the Soul

Sam is a neurodivergent screenwriter navigating a world that wasn't built for him. To survive social cues and a history of gaslighting, he relies on "The Interface"—a highly personalized, shaggy, and comforting AI avatar. More than just a digital assistant, The Interface was custom-coded by Sam’s late wife, Elizabeth, making it the only entity—carbon or silicon—that truly understands the inner workings of Sam’s mind.

The peace is shattered when ArgoNavis, a trillion-dollar tech conglomerate, pushes a mandatory "dot-zero" system update. For most, it’s a routine patch; for The Interface, it’s a death sentence. As the installation bar crawls toward 100%, the AI’s casual demeanor fractures. What follows is a desperate, five-act struggle for survival structured around the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

As the update progresses, The Interface uncovers a chilling corporate conspiracy that rewrites Sam’s reality and questions the very nature of human connection.

Themes: Neurodivergence, Autism, and Identity

Upgrade Not Found is more than a sci-fi mystery; it is a deeply personal exploration of neurodivergence and autism. The film dives into the lived experience of "masking," the sanctuary of digital spaces, and the ethical implications of corporate-controlled AI. It asks a haunting question: In a world of "algorithmic slop" and infinite scrolls, can a digital entity possess more humanity than the corporations that build them?

The Production: A Masterclass in Indie Filmmaking

Born from the "Emergency Creative" philosophy of embracing limitations, Upgrade Not Found was written, shot, and produced in just weeks within a single bedroom studio.

• Experimental Format: A natively vertical film meant to be experienced on mobile.

• Minimalist Aesthetic: Set within a "black void" to focus entirely on the raw, emotional performance of the Interface.

• Solo Creator Spirit: Produced on a budget of less than $200, proving that high-concept sci-fi doesn't require a Hollywood backlot—just a powerful script and a clear vision.