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The interactive film, written and directed by Caroline Robert, envisions a future where people can livestream their thoughts in return for a virtual brain massage

The online experience plays out like an interactive animated film, inviting participants to tickle the brain of D whos broadcasting her innermost thoughts and feelings. As the introduction to Brainstream explains, its set in 2028, when Health Canada has released an anonymous platform that lets people stream their cerebral activity.

Viewers are invited to use their mouse cursor, or touch screen, to massage Ds brain as she shares her train of thoughts. Illustrations by Caroline Robert bring her mind to life, showing people what shes thinking about, and Ds inner voice also responds to viewers activity which creates a slightly unsettling ASMR-like experience, especially if youre wearing headphones.

Pulsating background colours, flashing lines and sound design by Mathieu Charbonneau all add to the slightly psychedelic experience which was produced by the National Film Board of Canada.

Roberts writing perfectly captures the wandering tendencies of our brains, following D as she meanders from one topic to another remembering moments buried deep in the back of her mind, banishing earworms and dealing with feelings of self doubt. Viewers can watch a five- or 20-minute version of Brainstream, depending on their own wandering focus.

brainstream.nfb.ca

Credits:Writer and director: Caroline RobertCoding: douard Lanctt-BenoitSound Design: Mathieu CharbonneauVoiceover: Sophie Shields-RivardDesign studio: AATOAA

Read more:
Brainstream is a mind-tingling new experience by AATOAA - Creative Review