Depicting violence, gore, and disturbing content in films is a common occurrence in today’s cinema. However, a film that makes people vomit in the theatre and leave is quite an extraordinary feat, indicating the level of intensity the film must contain.
As technology advances, so do the possibilities and potential for crime. The 2022 film Crimes of the Future explores a future where society has become even more reliant on technology, and the crimes committed reflect this dependence. Directed by David Cronenberg, the film is set in a future where a deadly skin disease has wiped out almost all sexually mature women, leading to a society where cloning and biotechnology have become the norm.
The film centers around the character of Adrian Tripod, played by actor Evan Rachel Wood. Tripod is a scientist who specializes in creating new organs and body parts using biotechnology. She works for a company called Halteres, which is on the forefront of this technology and has created clones to replace the missing female population. However, as the film progresses, Tripod begins to realize that she and her colleagues are not the only ones interested in this technology.
One of the most striking aspects of Crimes of the Future is the world-building. The film takes place in a future where cloning and biotechnology have advanced to the point where humans can be completely redesigned. People can have wings grafted onto their backs or extra eyes implanted in their foreheads. In this world, physical appearance is almost completely divorced from genetic makeup, and people can look like anything they want.
The concept of clones plays a large role in the plot of Crimes of the Future. Halteres has created a line of clones to replace the missing female population, and these clones are treated as second-class citizens. They are owned by their creators and are used and disposed of as needed. This is an intriguing aspect of the film, as it raises questions about the ethics of cloning and the treatment of sentient beings.
The themes of the film, while futuristic, are grounded in reality. The way that society has become completely reliant on technology and the way that it has changed our lives and our relationships is a major theme explored in the film. The fact that technology has the power to completely reshape our bodies and our identities is also a topic that is front and center in the film’s narrative.
One of the major conflicts in the film is the power struggle between Halteres, the company that created the clones, and a criminal organization known as the Schizoid Group. The Schizoid Group wants to use the biotechnology that Halteres has developed for their own purposes. The struggle between these two groups highlights the potential dangers of technology falling into the wrong hands.
Another aspect of the film that is explored is the concept of memory and identity. Many of the characters in the film have had their memories altered or completely erased. Tripod’s ex-boyfriend, for example, has had his memories erased and replaced with new ones. This aspect of the film raises questions about what makes us who we are. Is it our memories, our physical bodies, or something else entirely?
The film also explores the concept of addiction. One of the characters in the film, a journalist named Francine, is addicted to the sensation of flying. She has had wings grafted onto her back and uses them to escape from reality. This addiction highlights the potential dangers of technology and how it can be used to alter our perceptions of reality.
Overall, Crimes of the Future is a thought-provoking film that explores the potential dangers of technology and the ways that it can impact society. The world-building and visuals are unique and captivating, and the themes explored are relevant and timely. Cronenberg has once again proven himself to be a master of science fiction, and Crimes of the Future is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and society.
