Firebase (2017)
Neill Blomkamp's visceral short film plunges a Vietnam War soldier into a nightmare of supernatural sci-fi horror beyond anything the jungle should hold.
Firebase - Movie Information
- Original Title: Firebase
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, War, Horror
- Runtime: 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Vietnamese
- Production Companies: Oats Studios
- Production Countries: Canada
- Alternative Titles: Oats Studios Volume 1 - Firebase (US), Опорний пункт (UA)
Firebase - Plot
Set during the Vietnam war, Firebase follows American soldier Hines through an ever-deepening web of science fiction madness.
Where to Watch Firebase
Looking for where to watch Firebase?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Firebase - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Neill Blomkamp
Main Cast
- Steve Boyle
- Nic Rhind
- Robert Hobbs
- Chris William Martin
- Tyler Johnston
- Carlo Yu
- Pat Mastroianni
- Nguyen Thao Than
- Nicole Goliath
- Richard Simpson
Writers
- Neill Blomkamp
- Thomas Sweterlitsch
Producers
- Steven St. Arnaud
Firebase - FAQs
What is Firebase about?
Firebase drops you into the Vietnam War alongside Sgt. Hines, an American soldier who stumbles into something far beyond the battlefield. As the jungle closes in, the film blends brutal war action with surreal sci-fi horror, conjuring a supernatural threat that defies explanation and escalates into pure, unsettling madness.
Who is the River God in Firebase?
The River God is a mysterious, terrifying supernatural entity at the heart of Firebase's horror. Played by Carlo Yu, the character embodies the film's collision of Vietnamese folklore and science fiction dread. He represents an ancient, unknowable force that the soldiers are wholly unprepared to confront.
Where can you watch Firebase online?
You can find Firebase and other Oats Studios short films through JustWatch, which lists all available streaming and rental options in your region. The film was originally released for free on YouTube as part of Neill Blomkamp's Oats Studios Volume 1 experimental anthology.
Is Firebase part of a larger series?
Yes — Firebase is one of several experimental short films released under the Oats Studios Volume 1 banner in 2017. Neill Blomkamp used the anthology to test bold, unconventional ideas outside the studio system. Other entries in the collection include Rakka and Zygote, each exploring distinct genre territory.
Who directed Firebase and what else have they made?
Firebase was directed by Neill Blomkamp, the South African-Canadian filmmaker behind District 9, Elysium, and Chappie. Known for blending social commentary with visceral sci-fi action, Blomkamp founded Oats Studios as a creative sandbox to develop experimental short-form content free from Hollywood constraints.
How long is Firebase?
Firebase runs just 27 minutes, making it a tight, punchy short film. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in a full arc — from gritty Vietnam War combat to escalating supernatural horror — delivering a remarkably dense and atmospheric experience in under half an hour.
Was Firebase well received by audiences and critics?
Firebase earned strong praise from fans of genre cinema and Blomkamp's work, who appreciated its stunning practical and visual effects alongside its audacious genre-blending. Critics noted it as one of the standout entries in the Oats Studios Volume 1 collection, highlighting its atmosphere and ambition for a short-form production.
Who composed the music for Firebase?
The score for Firebase was composed by Lorne Balfe, a prolific film and TV composer known for his work on Mission: Impossible — Fallout, Black Widow, and the His Dark Materials series. His music deepens the film's unsettling tension, weaving together war-film urgency and eerie supernatural dread.
More About Firebase
Explore further details and official listings for Firebase below.