Lapsis

I also watch almost anything SF. Problem is, most ostensible SF is SF in name only, what used to be disparaged as "sci-fi" in the SF community.

True SF is about ideas, not just mindless action sheathed in sci-fi trimmings. That is why, even with the compulsion to watch almost anything that may possibly be SF, we are mostly disappointed, so much so that being disappointed becomes the default expectation.

So, indeed, Lapsis surprisingly exceeds these expectations. It takes an idea and runs with it. That it may not comport "realistically" with actual cable laying is beside the point. We explore the "idea" and its ramifications, and this exploration is enjoyable and engaging.

That is what SF is about...so perhaps being pleasantly surprised in this manner inflates the rating a little bit, but if the grading is on a curve, it is well-deserved.

Documentary/short filmmaker Noah Hutton scored, wrote, edited and directed this genius little out-of-the-ordinary minimalist sci-fi gem. It's a weirdly smart, very low-budget alternate universe sci-fi social satire, that was so well directed, shot, scored and cast, you actually feel engaged that you're in this Nolan-esque parallel universe.

Dean Imperial's performance excellently portrayed that (alternate universe) 1980's blue-collar worker struggling to make ends meet, that's willing to take risks to get ahead. The upstate NY forest setting was well used and shot. What really impressed me was how perfect Hutton's score was. It was right up there with the eeriness sound in Christopher Nolan's Interstellar. Had his score not been that good, the viewer may have been unconvinced of this alternate universe, and that this was a simple cheaply done low budget film in a forest.

What sadly failed this film, was better/faster pacing, and a shorter runtime of its 108 mins, that felt much longer. There just wasn't enough substance to fill the runtime, and the pacing made it that much more aggravating. There were many irrelevant and long dragged out/unnecessary scenes, with plot and technical issues. What made it worse, is that Hutton did such a great job keeping you engaged and in suspense enough to hang on until the end, that ultimately failed to deliver anything satisfying to his audience to make the ending worth waiting for.

Nevertheless, it's a good one-time-viewing film. It may not be for everyone, and really, it wasn't for me, as I'm an adrenaline and action junkie, but I also do appreciate unique and great filmmaking, and Hutton delivered that - on a very low budget.

Lapsis is one of those films that makes you think. One that will be a classic in time due to its quirkiness and story. The normal story of a many named ray who joins a mysterious company that pulls cables for the quantum computer. It starts off normal until he starts to notice things and unravels a mystery that drives you deep. The cast and director both did great. Its a well written and acted film that although strange it makes fun a fun watch.

An amazing & engaging start, something weird is going on here & I enjoyed the journey with our lead, Ryan Reynolds', slightly chubby older brother.

The world building is interesting & is definitely intriguing up to one hour, but then it starts to wander about & you start wondering will there be a pay off, which there isn't.

It feels like there's an impending Orwellian, dystopian horror in hour one, but it's rather heavy handed social commentary, inviting dangerous tech into our lives, cruel mega corps bleeding the sick dry, we're all like worker ants, take your pick. With some indulgent, unnecessary plot points that stretch the viewers concentration, you realise by the end that it runs about 15 minutes too long.

Some great ideas, but as with anything quantum, it can be hard to see the point.

Ok, so it's a scifi, but really it's a commentary on how technology controls humans for work and every day life. Coming from the UK, the country with the highest surveillance in the world, as well as having the situation off being unfairly charged 20,000 dollars for an education course that was supposed to be free, and which contributed to me leaving the UK because I could only ever talk to call center guys that new nothing, it seemed very relevant and powerful.

But back to the film. The characters are great, the story build intrigue and it was an original concept. Glad I watched it. Not great for action and it's not futuristic. Some avenues of the plot seemed unexplored, but I recommend it to educated adults, especially cynical adults. Definitely not for kids and not a fun movie. Could have been dull if the actors had been rubbish, but they weren't.

Watch this if you are interested in the effects modern society has on us, and like scifi which is a commentary on modern times. Original and really quite daring to so such a film which doesn't revolve around holywood cliches nor is arty or avante guarde.