OtherLife (Ben C. Lucas, 2016) wr. Ben C. Lucas, Kelley Eskridge, Gregory Widen, from novel Solitaire by Kelley Eskridge, prod. Jamie Hilton, See Pictures, Aidan O'Bryan, Janelle Landers, WBMC, Cherry Road Films; Jessica De Gouw, TJ Power, Thomas Cocquerel, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Rebecca Caldwell; scifi/fantasy; WA
After inventing a drug that induces time-compressed virtual realities, young Ren (De Gouw) grapples with partner Sam (Power) over how to use their powerful creation.
... With virtual reality devices finally in our lounge rooms and festivals, the film is well timed – but I found the excitement of its premise waned a little as the plot progressed. Particularly in the second half, which is partly hinged on finding new applications for already used settings, and has a whiff of Inception-lite about it.
But the tonal consistency with which Lucas brings his ambitious project together will undoubtedly make him an appealing proposition for Hollywood, as it did with Wasted on the Young.
The director is helped along by a darkly charismatic leading performance from Jessica De Gouw who, with her piercing gaze and slightly gothic look and swagger, is a great solidifying force for the cast. Is it her eyes we see in extreme closeup at the start of the film? A question, perhaps, for the director. Luke Buckmaster, The Guardian.
Garry Gillard | New: 2 July, 2020 | Now: 2 July, 2020