Vesper Chronicles

We were able to view this movie on DVD from our public library. The time period is unspecified but it would have to be rather far into the future for the technology shown and the mutations of plant species.

It would be hard to say this movie is enjoyable, most of it is filmed in muddy, dreary conditions. Only during the last scene are we shown a bit more light and color. I enjoyed the movie, but when it was over my wife said "Well that was wasted time." So it certainly depends greatly on the viewer.

The main character is Vesper, a 13-yr-old girl played by Raffiella Chapman. And I must say she is quite remarkable in the role. I just remarked. The way she looks and the way she dressed some may wonder "Is she really a boy?" But viewing the DVD extras, where she is pretty and smiling we can see she is indeed a very nicely attractive and smart girl.

In a great sense the story is simply about companionship during a very difficult time, and hope for some better type of future. To do in the moment what you can instead of lamenting your situation. Vesper is smart and inventive, and must take care of her bed-ridden dad, who communicates with her via the drone that follows her around. She does experiments, she hopes to be accepted at the Citadel where the wealthy and powerful reside. But that seems like a very long shot.

But it all ends without a definitive conclusion, perhaps there will be a sequel. Or a made for TV limited series.

I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews. I think they're thinking in terms of what makes a movie popular and successful at the box office, not what is successful in terms of a piece of literature or art. The narrative back story is subtle, not obvious. So if you're going to do social media on your phone while watching it, you're going to get bored or confused quite quickly. This one is like reading a book on the screen. They're not common but I loved the vibe. It's striking and doesn't over do the sci-fi elements as they paint the atmosphere, not the story. Acting is top notch. Some of these younger stars will be seen more of for sure. First thing I did after watching it was searching if it's a book.

In a bleak dystopian world, a thirteen year old girl must survive in a world where citadels containing powerful oligarchs live, controlling the seeds that provide food supplies for those struggling outside on the planet. A smart cookie, she has a number of special skills including an understanding of bio-hacking which she must make use of if she is to beat her power crazy uncle, the excellent Eddie Marsan, the oligarchs and keep her father, who operates through a floating android, alive.

Whilst it could be argued that this intelligent almost evangelical sci-fi thriller suffers slightly through lack of budget, it's effects are sparingly used and are all the more impressive because of it. The performances, particularly from the young girl, Raffiella Chapman are strong, but the most impressive element is the clever mix of intelligent and convincing sci-fi ideas. A wildly over the top Hollywood sci-fi epic remake will surely follow.

I'm really surprised that this film is not more well known even though I myself had never heard of it! It has a fascinating production design with many unusual, interesting, original and beautiful special effects. The entire film is well made with a very original vision and the lead actress, a young woman named Raffiella Chapman helps a lot with a very solid performance and the rest of the principle cast is fine. This apocalyptic tale also has a very good cinematography and is well directed. It does get a little lost in the latter half though I thought it ended on a strong as well as intriguing note.