Latency

"Latency" starts off strong, gripping you with the story of Hana, a talented agoraphobic gamer who finds solace and competition in the virtual world. The film cleverly explores the allure of online gaming for those who struggle with social interaction in the real world. Sasha Luss delivers a captivating performance as Hana, embodying the vulnerability and determination of a woman yearning for connection.

The initial setup is promising. The introduction of the experimental gaming tech that blurs the lines between reality and the virtual world is intriguing. I was hooked, quickly planning out when to sit down with my daughters to watch as I was expecting well crafted moments where the lines of reality truly break down and the horror unfolds.

However, "Latency" loses momentum halfway through. The initial chills and suspense start to dissipate, replaced by a dragging plot that fails to deliver the full-blown mind-bender we were primed for. The scares become predictable, and the exploration of the psychological impact of the technology feels underdeveloped.

Despite the cool-off, the film does hold value as a cautionary tale. It effectively portrays the anxieties that can arise when the virtual world becomes all-consuming, especially for someone already grappling with isolation. The fear of losing control and the blurring of boundaries between reality and game become especially poignant for Hana, who's already dealing with the loss of a normal life due to her agoraphobia.

"Latency" is a film with a strong initial concept and a captivating lead performance. However, its execution falters, lef me wanting more from the mind-bending potential it sets up.

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.

Loved the concept of a headset ( I'm sure one of these is in development somewhere right now) that allows one to interact with video games with your mind rather than use a controller, like if you play doom you would attack things you see by thinking about it and choosing the weapons by using your thoughts. Pretty awesome to say the least. It would truly change competition gaming to a very high level unheard of in our lifetimes. But this movie goes a bit off the rails as the agoraphobic young girl does a video game competition for a lot of money and her friend bets on her winning to get even more , but her haunting visions take her over and her also dead agoraphobic mother begins to use her and do unspeakable things. She basically turns into a nightmare of a person. Not for the squeamish, some gore, a few really scary bits. I just wish they took it in a more positive direction instead of just another horror movie. Nothing questionable, no nudity or foul language. Not for the kiddos. Enjoy.

"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]

"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.