Expiry

I have nothing but admiration for Expiry, Gatley's first full-length film. It is difficult for young, independent filmmakers to get it right the first time, but there are so many strengths in this production: a compelling storyline, (the expiry bracelets are brilliant), convincing characters who we care about, a bleak Orwellian vision and an oh-so-fitting soundtrack. Taken all together, these features contribute to a powerful critique on a paranoid, dystopian society, void of any hope or pleasure. A thought-provoking viewing experience I would recommend to all sci-fi lovers.

Interesting premise, but everything else is a miss here. Starting with the title--a couple who is drifting apart and now is physically kept apart...how is this movie not called Losing Touch? The premise isn't really explored with hints of broader issues but not really developed. And the acting is incredibly one-note for both leads. Not only did I not understand why these two wanted to be together, it felt like the actors felt the exact same way.

This movie starts of fairly even paced, and the acting is mostly good. The main character's aren't explained all that well, so it's hard to understand what motivates them. Also, the world is not explained very well and so you learn about the society these characters are forced to live in through osmosis. The movie never explains how this world got like it is, or even why people live the way they do. There's not a lot of sci-fi elements in the environment either, so the film feels a little disjointing. Fortunately it picks up a little and is pretty well done for a low budget film. However, as the film progresses you begin to notice some small plot holes, and it almost feels like the writers ran out of steam by the end of the movie as it changes pace pretty rapidly. By the conclusion of the film you're left scratching your head as what the purpose of the characters struggles were, and why they endured in the first place.

In short; the ending was not good in my personal opinion. It's worth a watch if you have some free time and want to see a low budget "sci-fi" film. Other than that, don't waste your time.