Foe: Mark Kermode’s science fiction movie review (video).
Our man of many movies, Mark Kermode, is here to bring you his take on the science fiction film Foe. Watch his review above. And what did we think of the movie here at SFcrowsnest Towers? Read on, SFcrowsnest-lings.
In Foe, Garth Davis takes on a challenging adaptation of Iain Reid’s novel, melding stark visions of a climate-ravaged future with the raw emotional terrains of a strained relationship. Picture it as a blend of “Black Mirror” with shades of Terrence Malick, as Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal inhabit a world both intimately familiar and hauntingly alien.
Set against the sun-baked landscapes of 2065, where dust storms and droughts are the new norm, “Foe” paints a bleak picture. With the human race on the brink, we follow a couple grappling not only with the very tangible challenges of their environment but also the existential dread of AI intervention in their relationship. It’s a premise as unsettling as it is intriguing, like “Solaris” meeting “Days of Heaven.”
Ronan and Mescal, Ireland’s shining stars, have their work cut out for them. Their characters, Henrietta and Junior, are thrusted into an unforeseen scenario when the smoothly articulate Terrance (Aaron Pierre) brings news of a space experiment that could separate them. The film’s biggest twist? An AI surrogate that promises Henrietta won’t even notice her husband’s absence.
Yet, while the film promises a rich tapestry of emotions and cerebral provocations, it occasionally gets tangled in its own grand designs. At times, the narrative veers too close to an acting workshop, with the weight of the world seemingly placed on Mescal and Ronan’s shoulders. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the film’s somber tone at times verges on oppressive, making it hard for their performances to truly breathe.
It’s a testament to Davis’s ambition that he attempts to meld grand sci-fi visions with such an intimate character study. However, the film’s pacing, particularly in its middle act, could benefit from more momentum. There’s a sense that in trying to convey the stifling heat and languor of its setting, the film itself occasionally feels a tad lethargic.
Nevertheless, it’s worth applauding “Foe” for its audacity. In an age where CGI-driven blockbusters dominate the cinematic landscape, this is a film that opts for introspection over spectacle. It poses difficult questions about identity, love, and the essence of humanity in a world on the brink. While it might not have all the answers, it certainly sparks conversation.
For fans of introspective sci-fi and lovers of Ronan and Mescal’s undeniable talents, “Foe” offers an intriguing, if occasionally frustrating, journey. Just be prepared to leave with more questions than answers.
