Director: Kyle Valle
Writer: Kyle Valle
Stars: Kyle Valle, Erin Áine and Domenic Jungling
Synopsis: A couple boards a Gomo – a self-driving rideshare cab – only to find themselves trapped with no way out.
The rise of micro-shorts and bite-sized storytelling has transformed the way audiences consume content. With viewers increasingly turning to short-form platforms and seeking entertainment that fits around busy schedules, creators are finding innovative ways to tell compelling stories in just a few minutes. Horror, in particular, has thrived in this format. The genre’s ability to create tension, suspense, and shocking twists in a short amount of time makes it perfectly suited to micro-series storytelling. At the same time, horror continues to dominate our screens, from blockbuster cinema releases to streaming hits and viral online content. Combining these two growing trends, Autonomous feels perfectly timed, delivering a tense and engaging horror experience that can be enjoyed in short bursts while still leaving a lasting impression.
Built around a premise that feels both futuristic and unsettlingly plausible, this micro-horror series throws its characters into a nightmare scenario that many of us have probably joked about at some point: what happens if we get into a self-driving car and can’t get out? The story follows a couple who step into a self-driving rideshare vehicle expecting a routine journey. Instead, they quickly realize they are trapped inside with no way out. From there, Autonomous transforms an everyday convenience into a claustrophobic prison, proving that some of the best horror concepts come from taking something familiar and twisting it just enough to make it terrifying.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Autonomous is how accessible it is. This isn’t a horror experience that relies on excessive gore or relentless jump scares. Instead, it leans into suspense and the growing sense of dread that comes from being trapped in a situation beyond your control. The micro aspect does make you feel as if you’re watching a live stream, a very interesting concept where the traditional filming style takes on a documentary feel.
The confined setting is particularly effective. Much of the action takes place within the vehicle itself, and that limitation actually works in the film’s favor. Horror often thrives when characters have nowhere to run, and the enclosed space creates a sense of pressure making the audience feel almost as trapped as the people on screen.
The performances from Erin Áine and Domenic Jungling help sell the premise. In a story that depends heavily on character reactions and emotional responses, believable performances are essential. Both actors bring enough authenticity to their roles that I remained invested throughout. Their growing fear and frustration feel genuine, helping to maintain the suspense even when the narrative remains relatively simple.
As a micro-horror production, the series keeps things moving at a brisk pace, which makes it an easy watch for fans looking for something entertaining without committing to a lengthy feature film. The shorter format also suits the story well, allowing the tension to remain focused rather than diluted. Some hooks in the beginning could have been stronger to keep audiences invested and watching, as for some audiences, this type of storytelling will feel disjointed. The hooks in the middle, where they’re standed, stuck and there’s a strange figure outside are very strong and this is where the pace picks up. I did make me question why not just a short film? But again, this is a new method of storytelling.
Is Autonomous going to be for everyone? Probably not. Shortform is quite bespoke and is very easy to switch off and leave. But the performances are strong and the horror is just enough to keep you guessing and intrigued.
With 16 episodes, this micro-series falls somewhat short of what is expected (50-80), but I think it’s a strong toe-dip into a growing way of telling stories.
Overall, I had a good time with Autonomous. It’s a straightforward, entertaining horror experience that delivers exactly what it promises: tension, claustrophobia and a healthy dose of technological paranoia. It’s the kind of project that demonstrates how a strong idea, solid performances and effective atmosphere can be just as important as a large budget. For horror fans looking for an easy watch with a clever modern premise, this is well worth adding to the watchlist.
