High Life

A24 | Release Date: April 5, 2019

6.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 149 Ratings

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Bertaut1May 28, 2019

Esoteric and poetic, but very singular; certainly not for everyone

A science fiction film in name only, High Life has more in common with 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Solyaris (1971) than with anything in the Star Trek or Star WarsEsoteric and poetic, but very singular; certainly not for everyone

A science fiction film in name only, High Life has more in common with 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Solyaris (1971) than with anything in the Star Trek or Star Wars franchises, and is about as multiplex-friendly as anything in writer/director Claire Denis's oeuvre (which is to say, not in the slightest). The presence of Robert Pattinson will probably draw in a lot of unsuspecting folks, who'll have no idea what to make of the slow-paced existential musings, resulting in a slew of "worst film ever" reviews. But although it's not Denis's best (that remains either Beau travail or Les salauds), it's a fascinatingly poetic film that literalises the premise that no amount of evolution, philosophy, or esotericism can change the fact that we're biological organisms controlled by sexual yearning and the impulse to procreate - desire will always trump the social contract.

Like I say, very multiplex-friendly.

On an unnamed ship, Monte (Pattinson) lives alone with his baby daughter Willow (Scarlett Lindsey). However, this wasn't always the case, and as the film begins, he is releasing the bodies of his deceased crewmates into space. How this situation came to pass is revealed via an achronological flashback narrative structure. A group of death row prisoners were offered a pardon if they undertook a mission to extract energy from the area close to a black hole. However, the groups' de facto leader, Dr. Dibs (Juliette Binoche), a criminal herself, is using the journey to harvest the men's semen and attempt to inseminate the women. Monte, however, refuses to comply, arguing that his chastity gives him strength, and so Dibs determines to get a sample by any means necessary.

High Life, written in French by Denis and Jean-Pol Fargeau and translated into English by Geoff Cox, begins with Edenic shots of lush vegetation, before revealing this is a garden on a spaceship, surrounded by and subservient to technology. We then hear a baby crying. This opening, mixing vegetation, technology, and biology, demonstrates the economy of Denis's visual language, telling us much of what we need to know about the upcoming film.

Aesthetically, the most interesting scene is one in which Dibs is shown masturbating. All sexual activity is prohibited on the ship, although the crew are free to use "The Box", a room designed to facilitate masturbation. One particular scene, showing Binoche committing herself entirely to Dibs's masturbatory excess is bathed in a glorious blue light that softens everything it touches, whilst director of photography Yorick Le Saux shoots Dibs entirely from behind, focusing on the muscles in her back, as if a figure from a Botticelli has wandered into a room designed by H.R. Giger. Furthermore, the scene is edited by Guy Lecorne with the use of fades rather than hard cuts, giving a sense of calm which contrasts with the energies of the character.

Thematically, the film unexpectedly has a lot in common with First Reformed; both deal with the end of existence; both examine the possibility of finding hope amidst the cataclysm; both see the human race as not worth saving; both focus on a spiritual character facing a crisis of faith - in First Reformed, that crisis concerns Catholicism, whereas in High Life it's Monte's belief in the importance of self-discipline and chastity.

Of course, on a more prosaic level, the film is obsessed with sexuality. Fluids are a recurring motif throughout, whether blood, sperm, oil, or water. Perhaps the most haunting image is a shot of one character lactating; producing nourishment for a baby she can't feed, as Dibs has taken it from her, the milk running down her body going to waste. Interestingly enough, at the film's première in Toronto, this scene sparked a number of walkouts, almost every one of which was male. Make of that what you will.

In terms of problems, High Life will be far too abstruse for some. Denis obviously intended to make an esoteric film, but for some, it will cross the line from esotericism to impenetrability. In this sense, her litany of themes can come across as a little haphazard, as she jumps around fairly randomly between them, resulting in something of a thematic pile-up. This can feel like a bit of a dead-end, as she leaves several ideas frustratingly incomplete. Another issue is that the journey is never presented urgently, meaning there's rarely tension. And I have to admit, at times my attention wandered.

Nevertheless, High Life is a fascinating film that fits right into Denis's oeuvre. Asking questions about our inability to recognise the oncoming extinction, it offers a savage and pessimistic corrective to the idealism of films such as Interstellar (2014) and The Martian (2015). Positing that mankind is a monster driven by its desires isn't going to earn Denis legions of new fans, but for those of us who were already on board, there's much to be relished here.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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alejandro970Aug 31, 2019

So absorbing as a black hole, so is this space oddity that failed to doom. With context sexual and existential (that would love Kubrick), and assorted questions that remain with no answer. A small caliber sci-fi movie hard to forget.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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DubeauOct 7, 2019

High Life is a slow captivating movie. The story is one about sexuality and space, the voids it can creates. The notion of danger is omnipresent in a very silent and obscure way, like a black hole. Opposed to this is the relation of Monte andHigh Life is a slow captivating movie. The story is one about sexuality and space, the voids it can creates. The notion of danger is omnipresent in a very silent and obscure way, like a black hole. Opposed to this is the relation of Monte and Willow. One of fatherhood, tenderness. But also a man who refused to be manipulated and goes against his emotions and surrounding. FX are limited here. And the action is mostly human in nature. I give it a 75%. You might not like the ending or the slow pace but this is a pretty decent scifi drama. Be warned that this movie is for adults.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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DeshgMay 15, 2019

Entrancing and engrossing. Superior cerebral science fiction. Claire Denis is a genius. Great performances, especially Robert Pattinson (and the baby).

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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StevieGJDApr 13, 2019

This is an anomaly: an arthouse, dystopian future, sci-fi, mind bender. I have appreciated many of Claire Denis' films. This one, in English, is definitely different. There are shots of great beauty, imbued with stunning composition.This is an anomaly: an arthouse, dystopian future, sci-fi, mind bender. I have appreciated many of Claire Denis' films. This one, in English, is definitely different. There are shots of great beauty, imbued with stunning composition. Metaphors abound in many of the beautifully composed shots. There are also many vulgar and disturbing images. Though there are numerous sexually charged events, none of them are remotely erotic. That tension, between vulgar sexuality and absent eroticism is certainly both one of the main subtexts and also something that will put many people off. The film is not presented in a linear narrative, though there ends up being one when one pieces together the parts, which are constantly switching between times. The acting is very good. It is not for everyone. For example, I would never bring my mother or my wife. But I found it interesting, sometimes funny, and always engaging. It will not be most people's cup of tea; but I found it interesting and moving.… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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GinaKApr 22, 2019

I am a science fiction fan, and I thoroughly enjoyed this film because it was both true to the genre and also to more serious film making. I have seen Pattison often in more serious films since his breakthrough, and as always, he isI am a science fiction fan, and I thoroughly enjoyed this film because it was both true to the genre and also to more serious film making. I have seen Pattison often in more serious films since his breakthrough, and as always, he is excellent. It is not easy to keep an audience interested when things are not violent or blowing up, and Pattison is great in this kind of “serious” film (Claire Denis deserves credit, too, of course!). This is an interesting film full of interesting ideas and performances.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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moviemitch96Apr 21, 2019

This was a somewhat interesting, albeit bizarre sci-fi indie flick. The plot's a bit of a weird one, so bear with me on this one. Robert Pattinson stars as a deathrow prisoner with his infant daughter aboard a spaceship full of fellowThis was a somewhat interesting, albeit bizarre sci-fi indie flick. The plot's a bit of a weird one, so bear with me on this one. Robert Pattinson stars as a deathrow prisoner with his infant daughter aboard a spaceship full of fellow deathrow prisoners who have all been tricked into thinking that they'll be set free if they agree to embark on a trip towards a black hole for important resources, when in reality, they're being drugged and experimented on by the doctor on the ship (Juliette Binoche). Like I said, the film proved interesting at times and had some unique ideas and intriguing space visuals. However, the story felt random, disjointed, and aimless for the most part. The acting from all involved, however, particularly from Pattinson and Binoche was well-done. The visuals and a select few moments were interesting to watch as well. Overall, some good performances from the cast and some unique and ambitious visuals aren't quite enough to make up for a lacking story, and it does get pretty explicit at times, though that also meant that there were some pretty impactful scenes and images that will stick with me for a while, for better or worse.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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TomL11Apr 11, 2019

Brilliant film from start to finish, highly recommend. Many negative reviews on this site actually disregard plot structure and information that was provided in the film, and to those people who cant interpret based on basic information, IBrilliant film from start to finish, highly recommend. Many negative reviews on this site actually disregard plot structure and information that was provided in the film, and to those people who cant interpret based on basic information, I feel sorry for you. Highly recommend this film.… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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bluemilkApr 26, 2019

Leaves the rest to the audience. Genuine sci-fi. Visionary miracle of filmmaking achievement.

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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bfoore90May 25, 2020

Moves like a slug but "High Life" is an extremely disturbing thriller. Extremely similar to some Stanley Kubrick films in terms of style and presentation, High Life presents a mind bending, thought-provoking and claustrophobic film.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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DeanomiteFeb 7, 2020

The first English erotic sci fi horror of Claire Denis seems a good entry point for her work. A crew of cast offs and volunteers heads to a black hole, doing experiments on the way. They got an expert on black holes to advise. i like howThe first English erotic sci fi horror of Claire Denis seems a good entry point for her work. A crew of cast offs and volunteers heads to a black hole, doing experiments on the way. They got an expert on black holes to advise. i like how gravity is simulated by constant acceleration, kills 2 birds. For all the content, it should be more interesting than it is.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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JLuis_001Jul 23, 2019

Confusing, somber, vague, challenging. Adjectives that can dissuade many from watching this film. And the truth is that I don't think that many will find it really attractive but I personally believe that it's a risky proposal fighting soConfusing, somber, vague, challenging. Adjectives that can dissuade many from watching this film. And the truth is that I don't think that many will find it really attractive but I personally believe that it's a risky proposal fighting so many passive blockbusters.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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