Zelos is the provocative sci-fi short film commissioned by  KQED'S Film School Shorts to open its fourth season.

Directed by Thoranna Sigurdardottir, Zelos tells the story of Maria (Erica Piccininni), a woman who appears to have a modern storybook life - devoted husband Mordecai (Michael Ornstein), two exuberant children, and a showplace home.

However, she is feeling overwhelmed by the demands of her personal and professional life, as well the unspoken competition she is engaged in with Ari (Brooke Nevin), a beautiful colleague.

Desperate, Maria decides to purchase an exact genetic clone of herself to help her manage her many responsibilities. She thinks she has found the perfect solution to her problems  - until she realizes she has enabled a nearly perfect rival.

Watch Zelos here (Please note the film contains mature themes and subject matter. It may not be suitable for all viewers)  ...

Like sci-fi series Humans, Black Mirror and Westworld, Zelos shines a scathing light on our increasingly fraught relationship with our technology.

In our quest to "do and have it all," we have turned to revolutionary connective technologies such as smartphones, social media, The Internet Of Things and A.I. virtual assistants to help us achieve the holy grail of optimum productivity.

Despite the promises of greater connection, efficiency and personal freedom made by these technologies, many of us find ourselves ironically feeling more disconnected and over-extended than ever before.

Sci-fi narratives like Zelos are cautionary tales, warning us against the folly of depending on technology alone to foster the connection and complex relationships we need to sustain us.

Enjoy over 30 hours of outstanding sci-fi, horror, and fantasy short films by downloading our film guide, 200 Best Online Sci-Fi Short Films.

All proceeds from the sale of this ebook help keep The 7th Matrix independent and AD-FREE.