Foe

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.

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!

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 recently reviewed a movie based on a book and noted how great it was that it didn't feel like a film based on a book. 'Foe' on the other hand felt very much like a movie based on a book. The dialogue was extremely clunky and the kind of stuff that could be fine when read on the page, but sounds ridiculous and uninspired when said out loud.

Also I found some of the direction very strange in this one. I half expected to look the director up and see a first-timer, not someone who had directed a Best Picture nominee in the past. It was little things but they kept adding up. There were scenes where three characters would all be yelling, and yet at no point would any of them stand up. There was no desire to make scenes like this in any way cinematic in nature.

The biggest crime the film commits though is that it is painfully boring. Despite having two very good actors in the lead roles, there is zero chemistry there. To be fair, the script gives them almost nothing to work with. When you have to spend the entire film with these two people and there is absolutely nothing likeable there to work with, it is always going to be a tedious experience.

The sad thing is that the idea of the movie has merit. If done in a different way, this film could have worked masterfully. It wasn't though and for that reason this was not an enjoyable experience. 4/10.

Yes, like others mentioned before, the plot is quite nonsense and it bothers. It would definitely be much better If there was no space context or AI involved.

So don't watch this for the sake of being entertained.

Nevertheless, watch this if and when you're up to getting introspective, or reflect on your relationships. I thought it was provocative, and it leaves you thinking of how much we change overtime, and also, how much we idealize or come up with excuses for our partners behaviors - maybe in an attempt to sooth us down - when the reality is much uglier. And there's Paul mescal, and that alone is a reason to give it a go.