Review of High-Rise (2015) by Spangle — 02 Sep 2016

Why don't they just leave?

High-Rise touches on similar topics to Snowpiercer from 2014, namely in regards to themes of social class, social unrest, and the economy. However, it makes no sense. While this building most certainly is a living, breathing entity, these people are workers who just stop going to work when things start happening in their building. When the violence, civil war, and orgies start happening, I just could not comprehend why everyone did not just walk out and move to a new building? While the acting across the board is solid, the thematic elements certainly needed a lot of work as director Ben Wheatley seemed to just toss the kitchen sink at the screen and thought it would all make sense. I get what he was attempting to accomplish with this film and what statements he was trying to make. However, the method in which he used to attack the problems were scattershot at best and ill-thought out. That said, the shots in the elevator are really, really cool and incredibly shot and designed. Honestly, those will be some of my favorite shots of 2016 without a doubt. That said, High-Rise is a pretty disaster with good acting, but obvious thematic dealings and a truly odd, reckless plot undermines the entire proceeding.