Algorithm: Bliss

I found the initial concept of controlling emotions through modern technology to be a fresh approach on the subject. The initial idea however seemed to devolve into more of a horror movie involving a number of the protagonists. The movie never seemed to fulfill the expectations of either genre leaving the viewer disappointed on both levels.

It could have been an 8 with better editing and a better crafted last 1/3rd of the movie.

In short: If you are all about the effects, this movie isn't for you. If you like low budget and well crafted movies, this is. CInematographically speaking it isn't aced, not even close (editing, pacing, lighting, camera shots etc - all could be better), though with that being said most areas are above anticipated for this kind of movie. And it does somehow feel somewhat fresh to this type of movie, maybe because it focuses on the character study and does that well.

For those who think these kinds of things are far away; look up OCZ NIA - that is a brain interface for mainstream gamers that came out around 15 years ago. If you ad that to the scientific pair of doctors who made nerve crafted implants to their vertebrates and could actually "trade" feelings this is very close to home when it comes to science that is out there yesteryear.

Pro's Character study Somewhat fresh and some chemistry Good band for the buck versus budget

Con's Budget Editing at parts Varied script or if it was due to editing - some parts could have been done better

This movie would have worked better as a straight-to-video VHS B-movie in the '80s with a touch of David Cronenberg thrown in, or perhaps an entry for Hammer House of Horror back in the day.

As it stands now, it's absurd! Even the poster is a lie - Vic doesn't use a handgun in the movie. Watch it if you're not expecting a blockbuster, but a low-budget affair with some ropey editing and a poor audio/foley mix.

Still, they made a movie so congratulations.

Well, not unique, cause that seems impossible nowadays, yet, nevertheless, entertaining and well crafted. Because it was a better experience than most, I'm going to hit the positives and negatives fast, in order to keep some mystery for the viewer and not reveal anything that might ruin one's ride: the plot is better, the execution delivers and the actors did a fine job. Most likely, due to a small budget, there were different problems here, as in cinematography itself looks odd at times, pacing isn't quite constant and we have very few technicalities on screen.

It is hard to decide whether to recommend this or not, because as a horror, it delivers nothing, as a psychological, yes, it flourishes nicely, yet one thing bugged me the entire time and that's the main character's motives. Even in the last moments of the movie, somehow, logic and common sense seemed to have deserted Algorithm: Bliss, and I was left there with what I can only describe as, a mess of excuses.

Overall, I have seen far worse than this, and that is saying a lot, so, for a view on a lonely, cold night, I guess it might do the job. Just don't expect much and be prepared for a very cliched ending.

Cheers!

The pace of the film is very slow, it's rather dull and predictable, "low-budget" seems really low in everything: script, props, sound, locations, even some acting.

It has no notable plot twists, it does not evoke any thrill, excitement, compassion, plain interest - nothing - thus this movie resembles rather unpleasant documentary which you force yourself to watch till the end, although guessing that it cannot end well.

The moral of the main character's story: don't let your passion outgrow to obsession that can consume you with very unfortunate consequences.

It would be a nice short film (20-30 min), but as a full-feature it sucks...

Although I must admit that acting of Sean Faris and Sarah Roemer was rather good and believable, compared to other actors, that is why I can give this flick 3 out of 10 stars (and not 0/10).

P. S. Interestingly enough, in the end of credits I saw a line "A film by Isak Borg and Dena Hysell. ©App Film, LLC 2014", so the question is: why is it marked by IMDB as made in 2020, and not in 2014?...