Equals

A24 | Release Date: July 15, 2016

6.4	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 60 Ratings

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MariaBennettOct 14, 2016

Contrary to the initial perception the movie ‘Equals’ is not another take at ‘Equilibrium’ or Orwell's' 1984. Equals made me think about Stewart Hameroff and Sir Roger Penrose’s work or social scientists such as Alexander Wendt. The movieContrary to the initial perception the movie ‘Equals’ is not another take at ‘Equilibrium’ or Orwell's' 1984. Equals made me think about Stewart Hameroff and Sir Roger Penrose’s work or social scientists such as Alexander Wendt. The movie touches at the core philosophical questions about the Mind-Body problem and consciousnesses. Is there a difference between knowing about something and actually experiencing it? I think it takes a specific type of audience to appreciate this movie.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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smiyamotSep 16, 2016

It started out as a remake of THX1138, but it was different. This story was more explanatory and it gave hope of a possible future. The twists at the end were unnecessary, I thought we were going to have Romeo and Juliet, but I liked theIt started out as a remake of THX1138, but it was different. This story was more explanatory and it gave hope of a possible future. The twists at the end were unnecessary, I thought we were going to have Romeo and Juliet, but I liked the ambiguous ending, the movie ends and we don't know how the story ends.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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SpangleOct 30, 2016

Criticized as derivative, Equals' general premise and location certainly fit that bill. Depicting a world in which there are no emotions, Equals focuses on two people who begin suffering from "switched on syndrome", which causes them to beginCriticized as derivative, Equals' general premise and location certainly fit that bill. Depicting a world in which there are no emotions, Equals focuses on two people who begin suffering from "switched on syndrome", which causes them to begin having emotions. These two - Silas (Nicholas Hoult) and Nia (Kristen Stewart) - fall in love and must try to subvert "the collective" and escape detection to contain their romance. Impeccably shot and acted, the beauty of Equals comes at the very end and is what cements it as a good film. Though initially derivative in premise, the film does not focus in on the science fiction. Rather, it is a stripped back look at forbidden love and romance and the end result is an incredibly powerful and tender, even if a touch cold, romance film.

While its story can often resemble Romeo + Juliet meets 1984, Equals rises above this simple presence to look at love rising above all challenges. However, prior to this, the film establishes a tender and moving romance with impeccable dialogue. Often told through montage by director Drake Doremus, the scenes of Silas and Nia falling in love are terrifically written. As the film visually shows various aspects of the relationship, the dialogue overlaying the visuals highlight the discovery and interest one feels when falling in love. Simple questions such as, "Have you always had these freckles?" or "What did you look like as a kid?" make this relationship really land and feel thoroughly authentic. It is in here that Equals finds much of its power and what makes its forbidden element all the more foreboding. These are two people that feel something and the world is out to make them stop feeling. Yet, what they feel is no naked and real,

However, the stellar dialogue in the beginning of their relationship is no match for the ending sequence and final shot. Having resolved to run away, it is discovered by "the collective" that Nia is pregnant. Fortunately, she and Silas had made friends in health and safety who helped get her out. However, to do so, they made it seem as though she had killed herself. What follows is a Romeo and Juliet-type situation where Silas, convinced Nia has killed herself, chooses to get the injection to cure his "disease". Yet, upon discovering that Nia is alive, the film really hits its high note when Silas begs Nia not to give up on him. He still loves her and, in spite of the injections, will try to fight back and show it, while still following through on running away. This leads up to the final shot of the film in which Silas slowly puts his hand on Nia's. A largely open-ended ending, as we do not know what will happen to them once they reach the "peninsula" - a place allegedly inhabited by primitives - but still it reveals enough about the true point of the film: the romance. No matter the future challenges, this couple is dedicated to one another and will attempt to overcome these challenges. At the very center, is a mutual love for one another, even if both are not capable of demonstrating it, which is a truly beautiful conclusion to the film.

Coated in blues and drab whites throughout the film, Doremus graces the film with occasional bursts of orange saved for moments when our two protagonists look longingly at one another. The implication is clear, yet visually, the impact is tremendous. The color scheme is honestly beautiful to look at and highlights the depression, isolation, and loneliness experienced before emotions in the film, as compared to the constant pulse of emotion once Nia and Silas have found one another. As for the acting, Hoult and Stewart are astounding. Not only is their chemistry electric, but their passion and clear love when talking to one another is all the more powerful due to their commitment and delivery.

A film that rides of aesthetic, Equals is a derivative science fiction film, but it is not a science fiction film. Rather, it is a romance set in a dystopian world and its romance is anything but cliche. Instead, it is raw, powerful, and impassioned, which lifts the film above any of its major faults such as the pacing.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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Hank_ChinaskiMar 27, 2017

Hipnótica y onírica. No se puede decir más con tan poco, miradas, primeros planos, Nicholas Hoult y Kristen Stewart, sublimes. Entiendo que no es para todo el mundo pero a mi me ha fascinado. Recomiendo su visionado, no es dejéis llevar porHipnótica y onírica. No se puede decir más con tan poco, miradas, primeros planos, Nicholas Hoult y Kristen Stewart, sublimes. Entiendo que no es para todo el mundo pero a mi me ha fascinado. Recomiendo su visionado, no es dejéis llevar por las malas críticas.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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