Little Joe

In the movie Little Joe, Alice (Emily Beecham) is a dedicated single mother who works as a geneticist at a high-tech plant breeding facility. Together with her co-worker Chris (Ben Whishaw), Alice has developed a new plant species that releases a scent supposed to make people happy, called "Little Joe". The plant is meant to make people's lives easier and cheer them up, but their boss warns them that there may be other consequences.

Alice decides to bring one of the plants home to her son, Joe (Kit Connor), who is struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness. When the plant starts to bloom and release its fragrance, Alice notices changes in her son's behavior. He becomes more confident and outgoing, making new friends and impressing his classmates. Alice becomes convinced that the plant is working as intended and begins to distribute it to the wider public through the company.

However, Alice begins to notice that those who come into contact with the plant are becoming increasingly obsessed with it, going to great lengths to protect it and becoming isolated from those around them. As more people become addicted to the plant's effects, Alice starts to question if Little Joe is really just harmless as she intended. As she investigates further, Alice begins to unravel a sinister truth about the plant – and the company for which she works – that threatens everything she holds dear.

Little Joe is a slow-burning science fiction thriller that explores themes of isolation, motherhood, and the ethics of genetic manipulation. The film is visually striking, with its sterile lab environments and vibrant, almost artificial plant life contrasting with the isolation and darkness that surround Alice.

Emily Beecham delivers a strong performance as the driven and determined Alice, whose belief in her work begins to waiver as she witnesses the effects of Little Joe on those around her. Ben Whishaw is perfect as the introverted and awkward Chris, whose affection for Alice blurs the boundaries between professional and personal relationships.

The supporting cast includes Kerry Fox, who plays Alice's boss, and Kit Connor, who gives a convincing portrayal as the withdrawn and troubled Joe. Together, they help to create a world that is both eerily familiar and unsettlingly strange.

Director Jessica Hausner uses intricate camerawork and subtle lighting to heighten the tension and mood of the film. Little Joe is a slow burn, but the payoff is worth the wait. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that there is something sinister lurking beneath the surface of Alice's work.

Overall, Little Joe is a thought-provoking and visually stunning science fiction film. It raises important questions about the ethics of genetic engineering and the pursuit of happiness, all while keeping the audience on edge with its unsettling atmosphere and intriguing plot.