Infinity Chamber

This super low-budget science-fiction thriller (apparently one of the ten cheapest films to ever be shown on Netflix), essentially, proves that it's not about the cash, it's about the execution. Sure, 'Infinity Chamber (2017)' looks relatively low-fi when it's at its most ambitious, but this doesn't detriment any aspect of the piece - in fact, I'd argue that it forms a crucial part of its aesthetic - and it certainly doesn't look half bad considering that the central set was built by the director himself out of rubbish he found behind a shop. Really, a film like this relies on the strength of its writing. Thankfully, the writing here is on-point. The story itself is sort of an amalgamation of a few distinct inspirations - which include, but aren't limited to, '2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)', 'Source Code (2011)' and 'Moon (2009)' - but it still feels fresh and keeps you on your toes throughout. There are also a number of genuinely intriguing twists and turns to keep things feeling fresh, some of which work better than others. The piece plays with some really interesting ideas, weaving its grander themes and world-building into its smaller, more claustrophobic narrative remarkably well. It hints towards its various meanings and upcoming reveals using clever set-design and an engaging non-linear structure. It also concludes with just a hint of ambiguity (and I do only mean a hint). Pretty much everything is revealed naturally, drip-fed at the perfect rate, and this makes for a very compelling watch. The performances are good, too, which all help sell the somewhat heightened conceit. The lead, in particular, is a surprisingly nuanced and evolving screen-presence - especially considering that, for the most part, he's both the sole person we see and is acting opposite, essentially, an empty room. Overall, this is an entertaining and engaging film that makes excellent use of its micro budget to bring its high concept to life. 7/10.

To reboot a classic movie for a new generation is lazy and disgraceful.

To come up with a new conceptually outside-the-box movie with a cohesive plot is extremely rare and is a true gem. The most recent thing example I can think of is 'The Matrix', unprecedented concepts, albeit still lacking some cohesion.

'Infinity Chamber' falls into a third, middle-ground category: Borrowing new elements/concepts from other movies as a means to create a "original" movie.

IMO, any such movie would still fall into a sub-genre of the original movie it borrowed its defining elements from. The new movie can still be original (in its own right) if it uses the borrowed concept only as a launchpad to branch off into creative laterals.

The Good:

'Infinity Chamber' is largely a one-man show. Thankfully, the lead actor does a great job of keeping the viewer entertained. Interestingly, the dialogue between the man and the computer is what gave the movie its charm. The computer has all the qualifying intellectual attributes of a real person:, mannerisms, personality, relatability, voice etc. It's easy to forget that the dialogue isn't between two people, despite the computer's limitation to only give pre-programmed or abstract answers.

Whether friendly or hostile, I've always appreciated movies where man and machine can form any sort of progressing understanding towards the other.

The Bad:

This movie isn't without some obscurity and unanswered questions. While this may turn some viewers off entirely, I found them to be forgivable due to the entertaining themes and aspects of the movie as a whole.

If you like movies like "Moon" or "Ex Machina", I'd venture to say you'd find this movie interesting, if not entertaining.

8/10 stars for this low-budget sci-fi movie that brings forth an entertaining sub- original storyline in a world of countless and shameless Hollywood reboots.

My first review - I don't do reviews, but this was worth watching. I nearly didn't because, like many I guess, I'm often influenced by the average overall IMDb score. It's low budget I understand now, but didn't notice when watching. Well acted and a good storyline that keeps your interest.

Recommended from me!

This is a very likable piece of Science Fiction. I watch tons of Science Fiction and read tons of it too. The writer/director borrowed some good ideas and turned them into something unique. A bit of Hal from 2001, a bit of Groundhog Day, and a nice Philip K. Dick tone of "what's real?" If you know a lot about the genre, you'll know that a ton of ideas are cross pollinated. The Matrix took a lot of standard tropes. James Cameron probably has a reference book on SF tropes. So I'm not saying anything is wrong with the film besides the slow start. The lead actor carried the film well. This movie is a good watch.

Good, independent Sci-fi movie. I think it's a mix (or influenced by) of 2001, Cube, Matrix, and Moon - in it's own independent way. Thoughtful and interesting. Partly Captivating. I recommend!