Meh.....Tried harder to be quirky than to really flesh out the story.
A fascinating premise and setup, but the execution is tedious
We live in an age where so many people work to live and live to work. We live in an age where Big Pharma has worryingly significant control over our lives via the drugs we're prescribed, drugs that so many people need just to make it through the day. We live in an age of genetic engineering and the commodification of well-being. And these are some of the weighty themes tackled in Little Joe, a clinically detached, aesthetically fascinating pseudo-horror with a killer premise, but questionable execution. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the first hour or so, relishing the slow pace and methodical build, the gradual accumulation of detail, the anticipatory discomfort at seeing the protagonist pushed further and further into a corner. However, at around the 75 minute mark, I realised that this wasn't a slow build to something; this slow build was the something. And with that realisation, it didn't take long for tedium to settle in. I certainly admire the film's thematic complexity and stunning visual and aural design, but, in its totality, it's completely lifeless, the tone rigidly detached and dispassionate no matter what's happening on-screen, like a long sentence spoken in a gratingly monotone voice. It's one of those films I wish I had enjoyed a lot more than I did, but the fact is, I found the last act (which is not especially dissimilar to the previous acts) a real struggle to get through.
For my complete review, please visit: https://boxd.it/10CJ6H
pacing is very slow and the sound is incessant, but that aside it's a solid concept, enough of a twist on existing tropes to be entertaining in and of itself. but christ the music. things like midsommar's score are tolerable because it's just a psychological sense of dread that's being instilled in you; the ringing and shrillness was physically nauseating at times and i think it raised my blood pressure a little. i also find it interesting that with such a distinct and invasive score, none of the music was transcribed for the closed captions? who knows, maybe it's easier to enjoy if you're hard of hearing.
The Triffids and the Body Snatchers have contaminated this film with their influences, and for fans of slow-burning British chillers, that is a good thing. Worth a watch, though it might make you hesitate before you next bring a plant home.
[Filmin] Jessica Hausner embraces the fantastic genre without fear. This botanical "body snatchers" is haunting but also conveys the irony of false happiness. The camera leave behind the actors, and their dialogues remains in the background. Violence is also collateral, reflected. A remarkable style exercise.
i don't usually like sci-fi movies, i even avoid watching them in the first place if i'm being honest but i liked this movie.
Little Joe is Skittles filled with black liquorice: a film noir made in primary colors. It won't be for everyone, but it's the cutest suspense / thriller I've seen this year.
Calm science fiction movie about a genetically engineered plant, which tries to break out of the confines the scientists that created it put it in. The cast does a decent job at displaying the nuances in behavioural changes and I somewhat liked and hated the score at the same time. The questions it poses are more indirect though, which is sad because they could have worked a bit more on the theme what conscience is and what we are / what makes us human. Nevertheless worth a watch.
Shout by chewy74BlockedParent2019-12-13T16:20:39Z
The movie is very slow and more drama than thriller. It was made worse by the music they used to try and build suspense and atmosphere. It didn't work and it was just constant ringing in your ears... And what sounded like a bunch of dogs barking and mashed together, overlapping one another. The music made me want to stop watching it.