Baltimore Film Festival 2026 Review: “Ghost in the Glass” – A Cerebral Sci-Fi Ride!

Ghost in the Glass is a sci-fi psychological thriller written and directed by D. Charles Griffith that taps into one of the most relevant fears of our time: the growing influence of artificial intelligence in our workplaces and personal lives. What initially appears to be a straightforward corporate drama gradually transforms into something much darker and more unsettling. The short explores the uneasy relationship between human ambition and machine-driven decision-making, revealing how technology can reshape power, trust, and control in unexpected ways.

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The film follows Mac (Cameron Cowperthwaite), a dedicated employee who believes he is on the verge of securing a long-awaited promotion. Before the position can be awarded, however, he must undergo a final evaluation conducted by “Lady,” an advanced AI assessment system. What begins as a routine corporate review soon evolves into a psychological battle as the AI digs deeper into Mac’s insecurities, ambitions, and fears. As the questioning intensifies, Mac starts to realize that the evaluation may not be about identifying the best leader at all, but rather proving that leadership itself can be automated.

What I really liked about the film is how naturally it builds its tension. It begins with the atmosphere of a typical office drama, with employees preparing for a return to the workplace after COVID-era restrictions. The setup feels grounded and familiar, which makes the gradual descent into psychological territory even more effective. As the story unfolds, the themes become increasingly fascinating.

The AI initially appears to be a helpful tool designed to improve efficiency and fairness, but it slowly begins probing deeper into Mac’s psyche, testing not only his competence but also his emotional vulnerabilities. The film effectively explores themes of corporate surveillance, the illusion of objectivity, and the dangers of surrendering authority to technology. Every answer Mac provides becomes more data for the system, and every emotional reaction feels like another variable being measured. It raises an unsettling question: if algorithms can predict our behavior, and evaluate our decisions, where does that leave human intuition and individuality?

The performances are a major strength. Cameron Cowperthwaite delivers a compelling performance as Mac, convincingly portraying a man whose confidence gradually gives way to frustration, self-doubt, and paranoia. His emotional journey feels authentic, making the psychological elements far more engaging. Adam Hagenbuch is equally effective as Banks, whose self-assured and occasionally condescending demeanor creates a believable rival dynamic that adds further pressure to Mac’s situation.

Technically, the film is very impressive. The cinematography by Dennis Robert Thomas captures the isolation and unease of the corporate environment exceptionally well. The sterile office spaces, carefully controlled lighting, and restrained color palette all contribute to the film’s increasingly claustrophobic atmosphere. The score by Noland Vannoy is another standout element, subtly enhancing the tension during the film’s most psychologically intense moments without overwhelming the scenes.

Overall, Ghost in the Glass is an intelligent and engaging sci-fi thriller that successfully combines corporate satire with contemporary fears about artificial intelligence. Backed by strong performances, polished technical work, and a concept that feels increasingly relevant, the film leaves viewers questioning not only the future of workplace automation but also how much of our decision-making we are willing to hand over to machines. It is a compelling cautionary tale that remains with you long after the credits roll.

‘Ghost in the Glass (Short 2025)’ Rating – 4/5