Review of Equals (2015) by Jessica T — 08 Sep 2016

Equals has a beautiful science fiction romantic direction when it comes to its cinematography and music score. It does suffer from some plot holes that may have been overlooked into the depth of the story. It is a dystopian science fiction story about the future after the nuclear war has ravaged the earth. A dystopian community has formed, were every one is emotionless. People are emotionless and independent, doing their daily work. Going home to there apartments and the following day is a repeat. When people do get emotions or start feeling like they are having a reaction or a behavior, they are diagnosed with some kind of illness "Switched on Syndrome." Were they are given steps on the disease and the process that they may suffer like having emotions, behaviors, or even wanting to connect with others. They are taken away from the society to be eliminated. Others, thinking it is a irreversible disease would commit suicide by jumping off a high rise building. Silas (Nicholas Hoult) starts suffering from the disease as he slowly builds emotions and even towards his coworker Nia (Kristen Stewart). He does not see it being a illness or a threat, but Nia also suffers from the illness but is capable of hiding it. The two starts falling for each other and building a relationship in hiding in this society. Until, a cure is made that will make every one emotionless permanently. Time is on the matter, when Nia and Silas is planning on escaping the community in order for them to keep there feelings towards each other alive.

The story and concept is a interesting science fiction idea, about a peaceful community were every one is emotionless and doing there daily task. It does create some plot holes, that the movie never elaborates like about where does everyone usually come from, if people are not allowed to build relationships and reproduce. Also, that there was never kids around. Are they all gathered at a young adult age? Or did the community just built its program? It does give brief history of a nuclear war. The film does have some concept that looks like its borrowed from other science fiction films like The Island or The Giver. It does work well with the sci fi idea and mixing it with a bit romance. The music score Sascha Ring or Dustin O'Halloran was beautiful. The negative thing is, it felt underused in the film. There was sequence were the music score should have been used, making it a spectacular scene with its blue lighting tone and Nicholas Hoult and Kristen Stewart having a romantic setting.

Equals is a fair science fiction romantic film, it has a interesting concept and plot, but there was not much to the movie when the direction felt like less effort was put in from making it a spectacular film.