It’s becoming that new sci-fi movie The Pod Era facilities on a circular-shaped object as a result of it so disappointingly drops the ball. What begins as an interesting mix of futuristic know-how, sci-fi aspirations, and gender commentary finally will get to a degree the place all of it falls aside. Every part that the movie was seemingly constructing in the direction of fizzles to nothing and the appreciable goodwill many of the movie raised goes away in a flash.
Written and directed by Sophie Barthes, The Pod Era is ready in an virtually recognizable close to future the place meals is 3D printed, AI assistants assist with day by day chores, and, in the event that they so select, an individual or couple can have a child in a pod. That is an concept that Rachel (Recreation of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke) is de facto into. Having a child in a pod, as a substitute of naturally, would permit her to proceed to work at her very profitable job and never put the standard bodily stresses on her physique. Sadly her husband Alvy (Physician Unusual and Firefly’s Chiwetel Ejiofor) is towards this. A botanist in a world full of holographic timber, he thinks infants ought to arrive the pure method. Which is handy as a result of he isn’t the one whose physique must try this.
Amid a sea of tremendous cool sci-fi know-how and stellar manufacturing design, this debate about being pregnant and gender roles drives the early sections of the movie. And it’s all very provocative and fascinating. There’s wholesome debate on either side and plenty of cool sci-fi touches alongside the way in which. In fact, there wouldn’t be a lot of a film if Rachel and Alvy didn’t select the pod—so that they do, after which the film will get even higher. Barthes’ tech-driven options for in-utero parenting (like feeding the child or taking part in it music by way of an app) are extremely intelligent and enjoyable to consider. Actually, the extra questions the movie solutions in regards to the pod course of, the extra questions the viewer is more likely to have as a result of the thought is endlessly wonderous.
Each Alvy and Rachel change drastically in the course of the being pregnant, reversing stereotypical gender roles and questioning the character of being pregnant itself; as that is occurring, all the things about The Pod Era is wanting nice. Each Clarke and Ejiofor do strong work, exploring the various multitudes one should undergo when deciding to, and following by with, bringing a brand new life into the world. Even when the novelty of the movie’s know-how and sci-fi premise wears off, their star energy and charisma preserve issues afloat.
At a sure level although, all the things modifications. The characters make some very uncharacteristically dangerous selections, the film form of glosses over all of it and earlier than you understand it, the credit are rolling. Really, it’s virtually surprising how a story with a lot potential and care can go off the rails so rapidly. It’s akin to writing the primary 100 pages of a script on a pc and the final 20 in crayon. You virtually can’t imagine all the things you’re seeing as a result of it feels so at odds and rushed compared to the remainder of the film.
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Even with that massively disappointing ending although, The Pod Era does advantage some point out. The lead performances are good, it has an incredible look to it, and the world-building is extremely imaginative. You simply want that thematically the film might reside as much as all that, or at the very least articulate its objective higher. As a result of, because it stands now, it doesn’t.
The Pod Era premiered this week on the Sundance Movie Pageant. No phrase but on a launch date.
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