cliew5473-107-917925
Joined Sep 2014
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cliew5473-107-917925's rating
I actually really enjoyed this film. I didn't know much about it, going into it, so the second half of the film was quite the surprise to me. And somehow I didn't see "it" coming. Of course, I knew something was "off" on the island, but what it ended up being wasn't something that I was expecting. So I appreciate that the film was unpredictable in that regard (for me, at least). I know some people have complained here that the film was too slow, but I think the pace of the first half of the film was necessary for developing the plot in order to lead up to the "big shock" or surprise toward the end and also to really give us a sense of how comfortable they were there, initially. The acting was good and there were some very humorous scenes as well. This is by no means a typical horror film in any way (well, depending on how you look at it, I guess). And it doesn't show too much in graphic detail. It keeps things light, for the most part, even despite the "heaviness" of the subject or theme that it involves. The ending could have perhaps been better, but I guess it also could have been worse. I think it would have been better to leave that very final scene out, though. Zoe Kravitz did a fine job with her directorial debut here, and I hope to see more coming from her in the future.
I finished this series last night and am convinced that it's one of the most intelligent shows that exists. I went into this series without having much knowledge regarding what it's actually about and having no expectations, other than knowing that Alex Garland's prior films are some of my very favorites, such as Sunshine and Ex Machina. As the plot in Devs progressed, I found myself more and more captivated not only by its plot but also by its visuals and soundtrack, which are both unique, clever and (in my opinion) quite often, mesmerizing. Visually, it is stunning. The plot is equally as clever, dealing with aspects of physics and the universe that some might consider a bit mind-blowing but that actually does have some basis in reality and what we know about the universe at the quantum level. So I appreciate that is not SO sci-fi that is far-fetched and too fantastical. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to provide any spoilers or give away too much. But I would truly be shocked if anyone could watch this series and not absolutely love it... and particularly anyone with an open mind and who can appreciate a film that involves depth rather than just comfortably lingering on the surface. The acting in the film is superb. Lily's character can seem flat sometimes, but I think that's intentional due to all the trauma that she endures throughout the film. So to anyone who is considering watching this -- please stay through, until the end, and I think you won't be disappointed. I know some here have said that they were hoping for more, at the very end, but when I think about it, I realize that it probably couldn't have ended more perfectly. I'm actually glad they didn't make a second season because I fear it would have just been dragging out the plot just for the sake of keeping the series alive. But I think it's just perfect, as is.
I really loved this film -- every episode. It's refreshingly clever and unique and strays far from the mainstream films that (yawn) are so cookie-cutter Hollywood these days. I think it might require a certain type of a sense of humour to appreciate this film as well as some of Yorgos Lanthimos's other films. Yorgos has a very distinct sense of humour that is reflected in his art, and someone who doesn't have a good sense of humour or an open mind or is too "vanilla" might not be able to recognize or appreciate the humour in some of his films, including this one. As always, Emma Stone's acting is superb. I love the characters she takes on, and I think she's one of the most brilliant actors of my time. Jessie Plemmons is also perfect here. He is another actor that I have come to really like and appreciate the types of characters that he seems to often portray. And of course, the great Willem Dafoe -- another favourite actor of mine. I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this film, but I wasn't at all disappointed. The story lines are clever and unpredictable, which again, is so refreshing. So to anyone who is about to watch this or is considering watching it -- make sure you have an open mind and leave any expectations at the door, and I think you won't be disappointed.