Significant Others

In an age of growing isolation, particularly among seniors, Significant Others offers a view into the world of companion robotic pets. These mechanical animals are quietly finding their way into long-term care homes around the world, promising comfort and joy to those whose opportunities for social connection may be limited.

The film traces the journey of these robots from laboratory prototypes to everyday companions, introducing along the way the people whose lives intersect with them: older adults who form unexpected bonds, caregivers integrating them into therapeutic practices, researchers studying their wider societal implications, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of agetech.

Significant Others invites audiences to reflect on the evolving nature of care and companionship in a rapidly changing world. Through a creative, critical, and empathetic lens, the film wonders: Can a robot be our friend?