- Sensibility: The shroud concept technologically is so hilariously dumb that it is hard to take seriously; I mean, seriously, why not just have a camera? Why would anyone want to see a 3-D render of
the corpse of their loved one? If the film was going for metaphorical meaning, it was destroyed by the constant focus over the technological details. This is only worsened by some curious spying decisions,
a very bizarre relationship with a potential client and an even more non-sensical one with a sister-in-law. The film tries to explain away a lot of potential options the characters have referencing government
interference or red-tape, but these obstacles are completely ignored by the reveals in the ending. Tack on some strange interactions with foreign entities and an impossible recording of a confession and the film
becomes a bit hard to tolerate.
- Cinematography: The CGI is a huge issue throughout. Worse though, is the decision to have the poorly animated features of the film prominent on screen for such long durations. A Bitmoji/Memoji
is quite literally given more screen-time than Guy Pearce: a crime to the eyes, no doubt. The film in general is quite unappealing. Although this may be intentional, it is hard to
discern whether it is deliberate.
- Energy: The film's frequent disruptions to reasonability make for an uneasy watch. Strange back-and-forths between characters and a constant presence of lackluster technology
make the film confusing and dull.
- Narrative: The movie tries to be a complicated mystery thriller, but it is too messy and the stakes feel too low to merit the complexity. The movie feels like it's going for a non-literal/metaphorical
approach, but any message on the themes of the film are lost in the oscillation of the characters' and their personalities. The film does not embody a cogent theme throughout the entire film. Worse, perhaps, is
the fact that the main technological element of the film is ridiculous.
The dialogue is clunky, which unfortunately is only worsened by the actors' accents. The sister-in-law love interest is a huge
narrative plot-hole which makes very little sense given the characters and isn't well executed. Also the foreign entity involvement feels like an easy out
for writing in an actual antagonist.
- T-Points: The film received no bonus points.
Shockingly bad film from a brilliant director. The story and visuals are just ugly with no redemption.
Number of Watches: 1
