Latency

"Latency" has a pretty interesting premise, and the viewer is immediately thrown into some virtual action with the main character, Hana. She is a professional gamer who suffers from acute agoraphobia. Shortly after receiving some highly advanced new gaming equipment, strange things start happening, and it seems like the new equipment is trying to control her. As I mentioned, the premise sounded really interesting, and the effects in the opening scene looked pretty decent. Sasha Luss does a good job as Hana, though her accent slipped a few times.

Another thing that felt unrealistic was the portrayal of this absolutely beautiful and flawless woman, who also has an equally attractive girlfriend, played by Alexis Ren, as a professional gamer who spends most of her time playing online games. While it makes sense in terms of her agoraphobia, it was hard to buy into this setup in the movie. I'm not saying that beautiful women can't be gamers, but in this context, it felt unconvincing.

Another issue is that the movie ultimately leads nowhere, with a narrative that is fairly mainstream and predictable. The ending was unsatisfying, with many questions left unanswered and multiple plot points leading into a void. Overall, the result was pretty unspectacular and below average. [4.7/10]

Before watching a movie, turn on your TV to maximum brightness - then you may be able to see something. But if you watch a dark screen 50% of the time, it's not a problem, you won't lose anything. A boring movie about a dirty (literally) girl who lives in a pigsty and saves energy. The entire movie is shot in a dark room with the windows draped and no lights on in the room. Almost all the light comes from the monitor, you can hardly see anything, not even the faces of the actors. The idea of the movie, the script, dialogues - as it seemed to me written by a junior high school student or a neural network (although, in my opinion, a neural network can write a better script). I did not empathize with the protagonist of the movie, and during the viewing (I watched this "masterpiece" to the end - and it was not easy) I would like that someone would kill her as soon as possible and turn on the light in the room.... My doctor friend said that Covid had a strong influence on some people - and their intelligence decreased (to put it simply, people became dumber), I think this movie is made by such people for "self-similar". I don't recommend watching it.

After the bad reviews I had read on several websites, I didn't have any faith in this movie.... but until you see it you can't say anything. It's a good drama with touches of sci-fi and horror. The fact that the whole movie takes place in an apartment may put off a type of viewer looking for more action, but in my point of view this fact plays totally in its favor.

The film shows us a very tough mental illness. The fear of the outside world is creepy on its own and as someone who knows what the subject is about, for X circumstances, I can only thank the director and screenwriter James Croke for the respect they show for this disorder.

Two separate mentions deserve the two leads - Alexis Ren as Jen, Hana's (Sasha Luss) only friend and her contact with the outside world is very tender, almost romantic and inevitably tragic. Alexis embroiders it. And what about Sasha Luss in her role as Hana, the woman whose world is based on video games, with a tragic past and a no less sad present. Both of them shine with their own light.

Special mention to the special effects, which fortunately are more effective than gimmicky.

A film full of details that does not deserve such a bad review.

"Latency" is a film that offers a mixed bag of impressive visuals and technical prowess but falters significantly in its narrative and character execution. With a rating of 5 out of 10, it's clear that while the film isn't a total failure, it does not quite reach the threshold of a good movie. Let me delve deeper into the various aspects of this film to provide a comprehensive understanding of why it falls into this middling category.

Firstly, the production quality of "Latency" is commendable. The filmmakers have evidently invested a significant amount of time and resources into ensuring that the film looks polished and visually appealing. The graphics are particularly noteworthy, showcasing a level of detail and sophistication that is on par with some of the best in the industry. Whether it's the intricate design of the futuristic cityscape or the seamless integration of CGI elements, the visual experience is one of the high points of this film. This technical excellence in production is a substantial reason why I rated the film a 5, as it demonstrates a clear effort to create an engaging visual spectacle.

However, a film's strength cannot rely solely on its visual appeal. The crux of any good movie lies in its storytelling and character development, areas where "Latency" unfortunately falls short. The story, which starts with an intriguing premise, quickly loses its momentum. The initial setup promises a captivating journey, but as the plot progresses, it becomes apparent that the narrative lacks depth and coherence. The middle part of the film, which should ideally build on the initial intrigue and develop the plot further, feels rushed and underdeveloped. Key plot points are glossed over, leaving the audience with a sense of confusion and dissatisfaction.

The acting, too, leaves much to be desired. While the cast comprises some talented individuals, their performances are hampered by poorly written dialogue and lackluster character arcs. The protagonists fail to evoke empathy or connect with the audience on an emotional level, making it challenging to invest in their journey. This disconnect is further exacerbated by the film's pacing issues. The rapid progression of events, particularly towards the latter half of the film, gives the impression that the filmmakers were more concerned with wrapping up the story rather than allowing it to unfold naturally.

One of the most glaring issues with "Latency" is the ending. The climax, which should serve as the culmination of the film's narrative and thematic elements, feels rushed and unsatisfying. Important plot threads are left unresolved, and the resolution lacks the emotional impact that is crucial for a fulfilling cinematic experience. This hurried conclusion undermines the initial promise of the film, leaving the audience with a sense of incompletion.

Despite these shortcomings, there are a few redeeming aspects of "Latency" that warrant recognition. The soundtrack, for instance, complements the visual elements effectively, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the film. The cinematography, too, deserves a mention for its innovative use of camera angles and lighting to create mood and tension. These elements, though not enough to elevate the film to greatness, contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal.

In conclusion, "Latency" is a film that had the potential to be much more than it ultimately is. Its impressive production quality and graphics are overshadowed by a weak narrative, underdeveloped characters, and a rushed conclusion. While it may offer a visually pleasing experience, it fails to deliver on the essential elements of storytelling and emotional engagement that define a truly good film. Thus, with a rating of 5 out of 10, "Latency" stands as a reminder that great visuals alone do not make a great movie; a compelling story and strong performances are equally, if not more, important.

4.2 out of 10 when this review was created.

OK so how many films have the reviewers watched? The low score doesn't equate to the film I have just watched on Amazon. Like a stage play in the one room, most storytelling has been done before but you need to tell it in a new and unique way. The story went along at a good pace and had a start, middle and ending. Plenty of decent action and the headset gimmick was pretty good. I would say the budget was low on this one so kudos for making something unique.

Plenty of movies miss the mark on the entertainment scale and if you are at a loose end looking for something a bit different then just give this some of your time.