For the past year or so, the Roddenberry Archive has been releasing STAR TREK short films that, with the support of actors or their estates, attempt to bridge the entirety of the TREK universe. If you asked me to describe them, I’d say “imagine TREK directed by Terrence Malick.” There’s a kind of cosmic spiritualism at work in them that I find deeply affecting. The finale — “UNIFICATION” — recently dropped, and it’s a thing of astounding beauty and wonder that anyone who loved the original crew needs to watch.

Bear in mind, that is a real actor (Sam Witwer) playing Capt. Kirk. His appearance in the film is a combination of prosthetics and incredibly effective deepfake effects. The performance is, thus, Witwer’s. It’s a stunning performance, too, as he’s able to flawlessly evoke the best aspects of William Shatner’s acting style. Shatner knew how to react, sometimes too much so, and it’s incredibly calming just watching this Kirk mosey silently, thoughtfully through his life, taking it all in, easing into…okay, I’m not going to say anymore. I don’t want to ruin it for you.

Let me know what you think of it!