The Discovery

Netflix | Release Date: March 31, 2017

6.1	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 51 Ratings

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SpangleMar 31, 2017

Charlie McDowell's follow-up to the similarly mind bending The One I Love, The Discovery is a film set in a world where the afterlife has been proven to exist. Discovered by Thomas Harbor (Robert Redford), it is proven to be a differentCharlie McDowell's follow-up to the similarly mind bending The One I Love, The Discovery is a film set in a world where the afterlife has been proven to exist. Discovered by Thomas Harbor (Robert Redford), it is proven to be a different "plane of existence" than our own. With the afterlife confirmed to be real, people all across the globe commit suicide on their own or in groups to reach the afterlife and escape their lives of pain or to reunite with loved ones. Using the haunting image of a board advocating against suicide that also keeps track of how many have killed themselves since the announcement by Thomas, McDowell constantly keeps the audience on edge as we see the count grow and grow to the point that it is over 4 billion people. Our protagonist, Will (Jason Segel), is Thomas' son. A year and a half before the film begins, Thomas went on air to do an interview and it went disastrously. Now approaching the two-year anniversary of "the discovery", Will hopes to get his father to retract his work in order to stave off a wave of suicides on the anniversary. On his way there, he meets Isla (Rooney Mara) and both head to Thomas' home with Will's brother Toby (Jesse Plemons). Upon arrival, it is shown to be a cult of people who tried to commit suicide but failed. Beneath the surface, Thomas is working on his next discovery: what is the afterlife?

Films and people alike have always wondered what the afterlife is like. Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain showed a protagonist actively working to cure death as he is forced to watch his wife die from a brain tumor. By the end, we see that "death is the road to awe" and something transcendent that is to be embraced, not feared. In The Discovery, we live in a world where the afterlife represents hope. A way to get out and escape our dreary lives where bad things happen and we constantly lose people that we love. The possibility of the afterlife is one of hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is no need to fear death, as it merely takes you to a different plane of existence and allows you to escape the anguish of this world. Thus, suicide becomes a popular option. It is one that people resort to even in this real world, as a means to escape from the turmoil in their lives. Yet, this is done with the concrete evidence that something is waiting for them. In a way, it is courageous to leap without looking, no matter how tragic somebody taking their life is and always will be. In The Discovery, it seems like the best option as it allows you to press reset.

Through a new machine, Thomas hopes to discover what awaits everybody in the afterlife. This is where McDowell's film somewhat sputters, even if the emotional manipulation that is present does work incredibly well to lend great power to the film and the various discoveries therein. Towards the end, it seems as though the film tries to outdo itself with extra layers and possibilities that come quick and fast via some Nolan-esque exposition to close the film. After such a mind bending and contemplative beginning, it is unfortunate to see the third act run down a path that it could have walked down. This rushed and sudden ending is really what takes the air out of the proceedings. That is not to say the ending is not powerful, however. Though it could have been handled better without the heavy handed exposition, there are moments of brilliance in there with tie-ins to the beginning of the film that really hit your heart and creates great pathos. Though the reality of the afterlife in the film is quite scary and could be deemed to be a bit unwelcome for many, it is simultaneously quite heart warming as we see the bonds between souls become intertwined for the rest of eternity as we seek to solve issues and re-do our lives.

Presenting a compelling and pretty unique premise, The Discovery is a good follow-up for Charlie McDowell that likely will still divide audience and critics alike due to its shaky conclusion after such a mysterious and contemplative beginning. However, in saying that, its opening and thoughts on regret, the afterlife, and what would happen if we learned that it existed, is incredibly engaging and thought provoking. McDowell has an adeptness at handling confusing or odd science fiction premises with an assured hand that both messes with the mind, but also provokes thoughts as to its relation to our world. Though they may occur in slightly altered realities, the people they show are real and their problems are real. With The Discovery, its discussion of the afterlife really hits home as every person wonders what is next. From Christians to atheists, we all expend energy on what the afterlife is or if it even exists. As the former, the afterlife still remains an enigma even if I believe that it exists. What is it like? It is called "Heaven" in Christianity, but what is there? Who is there? Is it there as imagined or is it some other alternate reality?… Expand

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CoKronakanApr 6, 2018

It's a complex movie, with an interesting concept, but sadly too popular these days. There are a lot of movies that visit this afterlife idea, and it get's cliche, even though the movie is great. So the pacing of the movie is just right, andIt's a complex movie, with an interesting concept, but sadly too popular these days. There are a lot of movies that visit this afterlife idea, and it get's cliche, even though the movie is great. So the pacing of the movie is just right, and we spend just enough time with the characters to care for them. Amazing directing style, I loved it, but you have to have some patients with it. Also great job by the actors, great delivery. The twist was the point of the movie that is entertaining and deep, but at the same time it's instantly cliche and somewhat a let down. Overall it's a great movie, but it's a crowded genre these days so it's getting boring even though this was one of the better title of that genre. Good movie.… Expand

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