OtherLife

OtherLife had potential to be a great film, but the story development fell through. Great premise, great idea, thrilling, but no real story. Decent acting but not very well scripted. All in all, a fairly predictable movie, especially the ending.

Would recommend watching Total Recall, the Matrix, or Inception instead of this one if you want a more engaging and well-written movie with a good execution, however, this one will suffice if you're bored and just looking for any thrilling Sci-Fi to watch.

The "DMT security" was a nice reference to DMT, the psychedelic drug, which I laughed at. Clearly this was the source of inspiration for the writers, considering the DMT-type visuals that were added in some scenes.

5.5/10

It's got a nice premise even though it is impossible not to see the similarities with the Black Mirror episode "White Christmas". We follow the main character trying to achieve something but she constantly gets sidetracked with other things which makes the story a bit convoluted. It almost felt like they added these extra events to turn this into a feature length film.

It's about a girl trying to wake her brother up from a coma through a drug that lets you have time-compressed VR experiences.

It's hard to feel anything for the lead, because she comes off very unlikable. And liking, or feeling sympathy for the protagonist is probably kind of important. Although there were many beautiful shots, there were just as many unneeded slow scenes. I tried to like it. But I didn't.

Otherlife, from a novel, Solitaire, by Kelley Eskridge, which was sold and optioned and rejected, is resurrected and made in Western Australia. It looks expensive, professional and could have been a product of Industrial Light and Magic. The graphics, special effects that do not make you think 'cgi' are so realistic that you need to physically hold onto your seat.

It will be billed as Science Fiction, but really it is Speculative Fiction. In an all too near future, with a 'what if' with some mega modern corporation, were to be stolen, or is it? You are wondering just what is happening, unless you pay close, really close attention. The main premise is just too likely to become a reality in my lifetime. There are 3 premises in this 95 minute film.

The other reason this is a must see film is the chance to spot future and rising stars, more Australian stars, we can never have too many in Australia. Also technical expertise (some of them will be Kiwis, for sure) and directors that are better than good. It is also spoken in dinky di Strine. No fake American or British accents. This film comes together smooth perfection. Best film so far in the Sydney film festival, 2 days to go.

Like a chapter of Black Mirror, this is a near-future sci-fi story that has good acting, action, innovative sets, and a great plot. Keeps your brain engaged and entertained. Wish it could have been a mini-series because there are a lot of interesting subplots to explore. If you like this movie and haven't yet seen Black Mirror, please find it and enjoy.