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Visual Storytelling Review: Digits by Alexander Engel
After losing the last two digits of a girl’s number, a socially awkward fish enthusiast tries every combination to seek her out.
Digits is a clever, fast-paced short film that uses humour, structure, and visual rhythm to explore themes of obsession, digital identity, and the illusion of connection. THE SHORT FILM Digits to be an exciting case study in how editing, framing, and character performance can drive a narrative in a highly engaging and modern way.
The film follows a man who, after losing a woman’s phone number, attempts to reconstruct it by tracking down every possible combination over 400,000 numbers. What seems like a ridiculous premise quickly becomes an insightful commentary on our dependence on technology and our desire to turn fleeting encounters into meaningful relationships.
What stands out most in Digits is its narrative pace. The editing is sharp, almost rhythmic, reflecting the obsessive nature of the protagonist. Quick cuts, pop-up texts, and a dynamic voiceover all work together to move the story forward with energy. Visually, it mimics the constant scrolling and swiping of our digital lives. Engel cleverly uses this fast-editing style as part of the storytelling itself communicating the urgency, obsession, and chaos of the character’s mission. Another brilliant aspect is how Engel integrates digital interfaces into the screen space. Text messages, apps, search results, and contact lists are seamlessly embedded into the film’s visual language.
Colour and composition also play subtle but important roles. The world is bright, clean, and slightly sterile suggesting that even though the protagonist is surrounded by people and technology, he is isolated. What I appreciate most is how the film doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s tightly constructed, with every second serving a purpose. Yet within its short runtime, it manages to critique our modern behaviours: how we idealize strangers, how we use data to manufacture intimacy, and how we often mistake persistence for romantic destiny.
In conclusion, Digits is a masterclass in modern visual storytelling—one that creatively uses editing, digital design, and character movement to tell a story that’s both absurd and deeply relevant. It’s a great reminder that storytelling isn’t just about what we see, but how quickly and cleverly we’re shown it. For me as a student, this film is proof that innovative editing and visual structure can completely reshape how a story feels and connects with its audience.
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