Should you watch this if it’s free? OK.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? If you like science fiction or romance.
Score: 2.5/5
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 101 minutes (~1.75 hours)
“Equals” is a science fiction romance about an ostensibly utopian society where emotions no longer exist. But when an unlikely couple fall in love and rediscover the joys of emotion, they face a desperate struggle to stay alive and together. It stars Nicholas Hoult (Silas), Kristen Stewart (Nia), Guy Pearce (Jonas), Jacki Weaver (Bess), with a cameo by Vernetta Lopez. It is rated NC-16.
Much of “Equals” was shot in Singapore, so don’t be surprised if some of the locations look very familiar! It’s a harsh white film that looks very Apple-inspired, where even the characters and plot are as devoid of colour as the sets. It has a very focused theme and message, even if it can be rather slow at times.
Highlights
Strong visuals
The stark, minimalistic sets evoke the utopian/dystopian feel of the world that “Equals” takes place in. The external plainness is symbolic of the lack of feeling within the inhabitants of the world. That’s not to say that the sets look ugly, since aesthetically they’re very well designed. But the setting is as much of a character as any of the other roles the cast members play, and is integral to the making of “Equals.”
Metaphorical
Of course, the style of the film doesn’t lend itself to direct statements of its theme or message. What it does well are the many figurative representations of its theme, whether it be through visuals, text, or character performances. This lends a surreal quality to the film, and makes it a thought-provoking journey through a a world where practicality is taken to the extreme.
Letdowns
Slow
A tortoise could outrun the pace of this film. While artistry and thoughtful shots have their place, it doesn’t work if it’s done every minute of the film. The plot hardly moves, and the revelations come so slowly that you can see them a mile away. It almost drones, with its purposeless dialogue and characters staring into space. It feels much longer than it really is.
The climax makes no sense
The premise is that everyone who’s functional in the world has no emotions and is coldly practical. So it defies all understanding when there’s a conflict of any sort that doesn’t involve the main characters. The supporting characters wouldn’t be motivated to do anything since they’re unfeeling, yet they do. It’s a deus ex machina of the worst type.
Kristen Stewart doesn’t feel like she’s acting
Is she unfeeling or just grouchy? You’re never quite sure how she feels since there’s only one expression that she carries. The plot later informs you that yes, she has feelings too. But then there’s no difference in how she reacts after that fact. It’s not even nuanced or controlled, it’s just a glare.
“Equals” is nice to look at, but hard to watch.
“Equals” opens in cinemas 26 May, 2016 (Thursday).
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