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It’s becoming that new sci-fi film The Pod Technology facilities on a circular-shaped object as a result of it so disappointingly drops the ball. What begins as an interesting blend of futuristic technology, sci-fi aspirations, and gender commentary ultimately will get to some extent the place all of it falls aside. All the pieces that the movie was seemingly constructing in direction of fizzles to nothing and the appreciable goodwill a lot of the movie raised goes away in a flash.
Written and directed by Sophie Barthes, The Pod Technology is ready in an nearly recognizable close to future the place meals is 3D printed, AI assistants assist with every day chores, and, in the event that they so select, a person or couple can have a baby in a pod. That is an concept that Rachel (Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke) is de facto into. Having a child in a pod, as an alternative of naturally, would enable 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 in opposition to this. A botanist in a world stuffed with 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 many 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—in order that they do, after which the film will get even higher. Barthes’ tech-driven options for in-utero parenting (like feeding the newborn or enjoying it music through an app) are extremely intelligent and enjoyable to consider. In actual fact, 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 concept 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 pieces about The Pod Technology is wanting nice. Each Clarke and Ejiofor do stable work, exploring the numerous multitudes one should undergo when deciding to, and following by means of 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 pieces modifications. The characters make some very uncharacteristically unhealthy choices, the film type of glosses over all of it and earlier than you recognize it, the credit are rolling. Really, it’s nearly surprising how a story with a lot potential and care can go off the rails so shortly. It’s akin to writing the primary 100 pages of a script on a pc and the final 20 in crayon. You nearly can’t imagine all the pieces 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 vastly disappointing ending although, The Pod Technology does advantage some point out. The lead performances are good, it has an important look to it, and the world-building is extremely imaginative. You simply want that thematically the film might stay 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 Technology premiered this week on the Sundance Movie Pageant. No phrase but on a launch date.
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