Foe

This slow burn science fiction is set in 2065, when Earth's climate has deteriorated to the point that water is scarce and little grows. Hen and her husband, Junior, live in a remote farm house that has been in his family for several generations. Life isn't easy but they get by. One day a stranger, Terrance, comes to their door telling them about a lottery where those with certain skills are being selected to work in a new orbital space station... Junior is a candidate for selection. Sometime later he returns and tells them Junior has been selected, and has no choice about going. To make life easier for Hen Junior will be replaced by a synthetic A. I. replica. To ensure it is as real as possible Terrence stays with them to learn all about their relationship a process that might strain it.

I'm not all that surprised that this film isn't rated higher; it had the feel of a film that people would really like or really dislike. Thankfully for me I really enjoyed it. The premise is fairly simple and the twists weren't too surprising but it kept me gripped from start to finish. It is very much a character led film and thanks to superb acting from Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal as Hen and Junior I believed in their relationship with its various ups and downs. Aaron Pierre also impresses as Terrance, the character that serves as the catalyst for most of what happens. The setting adds to the atmosphere; even though we see our leads working with other people their home feels incredibly isolated. Overall I'd say this certainly won't be for everybody but if you enjoy character led science fiction it is definitely worth giving a go.