Enemy

This slow burn science fiction is set in 2065, when Earth's climate has deteriorated to the point that water is scarce and little grows. Hen and her husband, Junior, live in a remote farm house that has been in his family for several generations. Life isn't easy but they get by. One day a stranger, Terrance, comes to their door telling them about a lottery where those with certain skills are being selected to work in a new orbital space station... Junior is a candidate for selection. Sometime later he returns and tells them Junior has been selected, and has no choice about going. To make life easier for Hen Junior will be replaced by a synthetic A. I. replica. To ensure it is as real as possible Terrence stays with them to learn all about their relationship a process that might strain it.

I'm not all that surprised that this film isn't rated higher; it had the feel of a film that people would really like or really dislike. Thankfully for me I really enjoyed it. The premise is fairly simple and the twists weren't too surprising but it kept me gripped from start to finish. It is very much a character led film and thanks to superb acting from Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal as Hen and Junior I believed in their relationship with its various ups and downs. Aaron Pierre also impresses as Terrance, the character that serves as the catalyst for most of what happens. The setting adds to the atmosphere; even though we see our leads working with other people their home feels incredibly isolated. Overall I'd say this certainly won't be for everybody but if you enjoy character led science fiction it is definitely worth giving a go.

It's 2065. Water is scarced. People are moving to space. Hen (Saoirse Ronan) and Junior (Paul Mescal) live on his farm which his family has owned for five generations. Farming is a struggle and he works at a chicken factory. There is tension in the marriage. Out of the blue, Terrance (Aaron Pierre) comes to their door. He's recruiting for space pioneers and maybe do a little threatening on top of that.

There is an interesting sci-fi concept and an intriguing reveal somewhere in this movie. I can't buy the undercooked sci-fi concept. As a mystery, the movie is holding back a few pieces in the puzzle and the audience is kept waiting. The terrific pairing of Mescal and Ronan is giving it their all, but the movie keeps going in circles. The surrealism mounts until the movie goes down the drain.

My Review- Foe My Rating. 5/10

The impressive acting by the trio of stars in Foe from Saorise Ronan and Paul Mescal and Aaron Pierre couldn't salvage this angst ridden dystopian self indulgent melodrama for me .

For me this movie is a confusing mish mash of scenes that at times reminded me of Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf meets Frankenstein at The Rocky Horror Show.

Set in 2065 For's about the sad lives of a young couple Hen played by Saorise Ronanand her husband Junior played by Paul Mescal who oddly works in a poultry abattoir as he's married to a Hen.

Filmed in Victoria and South Australia Foe takes place in Americas MidWest and tells the story of a married couple living a life of isolation in a wasteland that's been denuded of any vegetation as a result of the neglect that our planet is experiencing today .

A stranger named Terence drives up to their home knocks on the door and tells them the good news that Junior has been chosen because of his obvious fitness and strength to be part of a relocation exercise for Earthlings to find another planet to ruin.

Terence assures Junior that Hen will not be left alone as an artificial replacement for Junior complete with all his physical prowess and his memories will take his place while he's away .

That's enough plot line the emotional drama then increases as Terence interviews the couple about every intimate part of their relationship warts and all which only uncovers more tension and angst.

The novel Foe which I haven't read by Iain Reid is promoted as a taut, psychological mind-bender from the bestselling author of I'm Thinking of Ending Things.

The screen play adaptation of the movie by Garth Davis and Iain Reid in my opinion is sloppy and at times mind numbing instead of mind bending .

The Direction by Garth Davis considering his previous great movies like Lion and Penguin Bloom I found disappointing it seemed to steer this space ship out of orbit.

However the chemistry and charisma of Saorise Ronan and Paul Mescal who is shirtless most of the movie was impressive and I hope they team up again in a better film.

Will some author please write an uplifting story set in a future where Politicians and populations overcome the terrible future scenario we are told is inevitable today ?

Perhaps it's too late? But the old saying of what we eat today walks and talks tomorrow could be changed to what we think today will become tomorrow comes to mind I'm pleased I won't be here to see it .

I'm just wondering, how come there are so many junk movies with higher rates out there and this gem gets almost 5? You must be kidding me. Foe is one of the most touching films I've ever seen. So gripping you can barely take your eyes off of it. Amazing story, great actings, spectacular scenery, compelling shots, haunting music and all and all makes it one of the best sci-fi movies in a while. Saoirse Ronan is at her best. FOE is a startling movie about the meaningless positions of humanity in universe. A philosophical approach to the hollowness of existence. A glimpse into the future, and the horrifying incidents that await us. It's just a matter of time.

Just loved it!

Phenomenal acting, a pure masterclass of the two (Ronan and Mescal), directing, plot, script- 0 points. Such great actors in such a pointless movie, with no storyline, a wannabe artistic masterpiece, but it just doesn't go over the ramp.

Excellent movie for acting students, as well as the directing ones - how to not direct a movie.

For the rest of the world -skip it, unless you are a die-hard fan.

Interstellar, but from AliExpress, with a pinch of marriage drama and kilos of boredom, with acting masterclass.

Don't have anything else to say, this one is just for the minimum character limit's sake.