The modern light bulb is one of the first victims of “planned obsolescence,” the concept of deliberately designing a product to have a limited lifespan in order to keep consumers consuming. The feature shares hitherto untold secrets behind the lifespan of cars, nylons, printers and ipod batteries, which are made intentionally fragile or programmed obsolete after a pre-determined period of use. On the one hand, “planned obsolescence” drives economic growth; on the other, it is a catalyst for serious waste production and consumer frustration. This eye-opening feature explores the skewed balance between economic growth, consumer concerns, and environmental consequences, and asks what the alternatives may be in order to construct a healthier balance.

Following the death of their mother, 18-year old H, 15-year old Casey and 10-month old Severino are split apart from each other by social services. Casey’s desperate attempt to bring his family back together involves “snatching” his baby brother and turning fugitive as he makes for Inverness to search for his estranged father. He forces H, involved in petty crime, to join him in the journey by posting H’s illegally obtained cash to a P.O. Box there. As they hide from the police, they encounter life-changing situations in which they are faced with difficult choices. With each decision they make, the brothers re-assess their values, the bond between family and personal relations, and ultimately pave the way towards determining who they will become.