Equals

Equals is a thought-provoking 2015 dystopian science fiction drama, directed by Drake Doremus and penned by Nathan Parker. The box office production stars talented actors such as Nicholas Hoult, Kristen Stewart, and Vernetta Lopez, who have gracefully embodied their roles and made the film an emotionally poignant experience.

Set in the future, the story unfolds in a perfectly ordered, sterile utopian society ironically called "The Collective". The bottom-line goal of this society is efficiency - to build a world without war, crime, or poverty. To achieve this, emotions, love, and even personal relationships are completely abolished, weeded out through genetic engineering and strict societal control. Essential elements of humanity, relationships, emotional bonds, and family have been ditched for the sake of peace and order.

Nicholas Hoult portrays the character of Silas, a young artist working at an online publication called Atmos. He expertly delivers the restrained portrayal of his character, displaying the cold, emotionless, automated existence expected of every citizen in The Collective. His performance is devoid of unnecessary emotions, keeping in line with the framework of the city and its citizens. In a world shaded white and blue and dominated by machinery and minimalist architecture, Silas's life changes with the advent of a deadly disease called Switched-On Syndrome (SOS).

The disease SOS, as the narrative of the movie unfolds, triggers human emotions in the infected individuals, bringing on feelings long forgotten or genetically edited out. Kristen Stewart, embracing the character of his co-worker Nia, brings a depth to the storyline. Nia, who is secretly suffering from SOS, shared the unexpressed feelings secretively, demonstrating a performance filled with an understated emotional palette that fits perfectly within the constraints of their society.

Vernetta Lopez, another acclaimed actor, adds another layer of complexity to the storyline. Her portrayal of co-worker Gilead adds rich substance to the overall narrative. Despite the austere environment, the quiet chemistry between the lead actors is perfectly captured. While romance is a forbidden entity in this sterile society, the poignant love story that develops between Silas and Nia ignites subtle emotions and empathy in viewers.

Even the cinematography and aesthetic production design of the movie deserve special praise. The dystopian world is depicted in a cold, crisp, and minimalistic fashion, lined with white buildings and uniform attire. However, as the story progresses, we see the addition of more vibrant colors, symbolizing the awakening of emotions. The brilliant camera work reflects the characters' internal shifts as they navigate the dangerous consequences of feeling in a society built to suppress it.

The film music score by German composer Dustin O'Halloran and ambient music producer Apparat is captivating, providing a beautiful emotional backdrop to the chilling narrative.

In essence, Equals does more than just tell a love story, it challenges and questions the very elements of what it means to be human. It invites viewers to ruminate on the necessity of emotions, the significance of personal relationships, and the depth of human connection. It is a poignant discourse on losing and reclaiming one's humanity, a vehicle for social commentary, and a melancholic exploration of repressed human feelings, garnished with emo-tinged romance.

For those who cherish deep, thought-provoking narratives, Equals offers a haunting tale of dystopian future that you won't easily forget. The star-studded cast led by the brilliant direction of Drake Doremus makes this film an absolute must-watch. With a riveting storyline, impactful performances, tasteful aesthetics, and captivating music, Equals is there to sumptuously cater to profound cinematic tastes.