Surge

Surge is a 2020 drama film that follows the story of Joseph, a quiet and reserved young man working as a baggage handler at an airport. Joseph seems to be dissatisfied with his life and longs for connection and meaning. In his search for something more fulfilling, Joseph begins experiencing a series of bizarre and reckless outbursts that propel him onto a dangerous path.

The movie begins with Joseph going about his mundane daily routine, punctuated by flashes of ennui and isolation. We see Joseph staring blankly at computer screens, handling luggage mechanically, and interacting with his fellow workers with a kind of cold detachment. We get the sense that Joseph is not happy with his life, and that something just isn't right. In the early scenes, there are a few moments where we see Joseph's temper flare, but they are quickly suppressed and he goes back to his routine.

The turning point comes when Joseph receives a call informing him that his estranged mother has died. Joseph reacts to this news with an unexpected burst of emotion and impulsively leaves work to take a flight to Paris, the city where his mother passed away. From this point on, we see Joseph morph into a completely different person. He steps out of his comfort zone and begins to indulge in his every whim, regardless of the consequences.

As Joseph starts to unravel, the movie becomes an intense character study that explores the darker aspects of human nature. His journey is one of self-discovery, but not in the traditional sense. Joseph is not interested in finding his purpose or chasing a dream. Instead, he is more interested in seeing how far he can push his own limits, testing himself to see what he is capable of.

Throughout the movie, the audience is left wondering what Joseph will do next. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and we see him act in ways that are violent, depraved, and even sadistic. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of creating an intense and uncomfortable atmosphere that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. As Joseph's actions become more extreme, we are forced to question whether he is a victim of his own circumstances or a perpetrator of his own destruction.

The cinematography is one of the standout elements of Surge. The movie is shot in a handheld style, which adds to the sense of chaos and unpredictability. There are many scenes where the camera is placed uncomfortably close to Joseph's face or where it is spinning around him in a dizzying fashion. The use of natural light and muted color palettes also add to the movie's unsettling tone.

Overall, Surge is a challenging, thought-provoking movie that defies easy categorization. It is a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll. The standout performances by Ben Whishaw and the supporting cast help elevate the material, and the filmmakers have created a world that is both terrifying and captivating. In many ways, Surge is a movie about the human condition and the lengths that we will go to find some meaning in our lives. Highly recommended for fans of intense character studies and psychological thrillers.