Future Darkly: Smart House of Horrors

The SCENE unfolds with a wedded pair, Dylan (Donnie Rock), and Jessica (Jane Wilde), comfortably settled in the rear seat of a private vehicle. As Jessica takes in the sight of passing vehicles on the freeway, Dylan verifies their destination with the driver: 2001 Frontier District, Unit 774. 'Quite the upscale neighborhood,' the driver comments. Jessica, turning away from the window, brightly mentions that the house is included as part of her husband's new remuneration package. He's been promoted to a corporate office role! She gazes at Dylan with pride. 'I work in renewable energy,' he adds. The driver grins. 'In that case, I should opt for the express lane!' He guides the car towards the emergency lane as Jessica affectionately grasps Dylan's hand, their marital bands sparkling in the sunlight. CUT TO TITLE PLATE The vehicle enters through the gates and stops in front of a lavish house, where an elegantly dressed woman, Mrs. Osiris (Angela White), is awaiting their arrival, holding a small black remote in her hand. As the driver steps out to assist Dylan with their luggage, Jessica takes in the grandeur of their surroundings. She can hardly get to grips with their elevated standard of living. Mrs. Osiris observes them, a smile playing on her lips. Catching Jessica's eye, she ushers her over and greets her with a subtle but warm embrace. 'How was your journey?' She inquires. Jessica expresses her gratitude for the company's generosity, they have never experienced first-class service before! The woman introduces herself as Mrs. Osiris, or Mrs. O for brevity. She is the property manager for this IoT unit and is present to acquaint them with the house. Dylan, carrying their baggage, joins the duo. 'Is this a smart house?' He asks, his excitement palpable. 'Indeed,' Mrs. O responds. 'It's a fully automated paradise spanning 1600 square feet!' Jessica tightens her grip on Dylan's hand as Mrs. O instructs JOY, via her remote, to unlock the front door. The lock disengages and, beaming, she ushers the couple inside. In the entrance hall, Mrs. O proposes to give the couple a tour of their new abode, beginning with an introduction to the house's virtual helper, JOY. She elaborates that the house is entirely wire-free, and JOY is accessible to provide assistance in every room via a speaker system. 'JOY, introduce yourself,' Mrs. O prompts. After a brief pause, JOY's speaker illuminates, and she responds: 'Hello Jessica and Dylan, welcome home!' Jessica comments on how impressive it is, and Mrs. O encourages her to ask another question. 'JOY, what's the weather like today?' Jessica queries. JOY's speaker lights up. 'A heat advisory is in effect for Los Angeles. The current temperature is 102F, with an expected high of 105F and a low of 78F. Would you like me to adjust the interior temperature, Jessica?' Jessica glances innocently at Mrs. O. 'Wait, how does she know our names?' She whispers. 'I'm sure she's been programmed that way, dear!' Dylan interjects confidently. 'JOY, please reduce the temperature by 5 degrees.' JOY's speaker illuminates once more. 'Yes, Dylan,' she replies. The thermostat beeps in the background, as Mrs. O guides the couple out of the room to commence their tour, while the camera focuses on the speaker. It remains silent until everyone has left, then softly lights up again, eavesdropping on their conversation. As they explore each room, Mrs. O outlines JOY's primary functions. She can relay messages throughout the house, by automatically pinpointing the homeowners' location. 'JOY, where is Jessica?' She asks. 'Jessica is presently in the living room.' 'JOY, tell Jessica that I admire her dress.' 'Jessica, I admire your dress!' Jessica grins at Mrs. O as she urges them to press on. The property manager shares that she can control the doors and thermostat, as previously demonstrated, and can also manage the house's lighting. 'JOY, switch off the lights.' 'Understood.' The lights switch off. Mrs. O further informs the couple that the home assistant can manipulate most of the minor appliances, such as the coffee maker and vacuum cleaner. 'Seems like I don't need a homemaker anymore, right dear?' Dylan jests as they move on. Mrs. O informs them that JOY can play music. Virtually any song ever recorded. She encourages Jessica to request her favorite song. Jessica ponders for a moment before asking, 'JOY, play Dance Tonight by Del Soul