Worm

Worm is an engaging science fiction psychological thriller that was released in 2013. This film, directed by Doug Mallette and penned by the duo of Kevin M. Gallagher Jr and Andrew Bowser, stars John Ferguson, Shane O'Brien, and Jes Mercer.

Set in a dystopian future, the world of Worm is devoid of natural dreams. Yes, sleep does not offer an escape into a dreamland anymore. No dreams, no nightmares. It's not that people do not want to dream. In a world overwhelmed by despair, dreams would provide a perfect bargain. However, science and its unending quest to unleash the unknown has led to a world where dreaming, a universal human phenomenon, has disappeared, leaving a void filled by one company’s strange technology.

The story follows our protagonist, Charles (played by John Ferguson), who, like everyone else in his world, has to rely on a stimulant to experience dreams. This stimulant is distributed by Fantasites, a mega-corporation which, in its bid to solve the problem, created a product that triggers synthetic dreams in the users' minds while they sleep. These genetically modified worms or 'Fantasites' burrow into the ear, helping the user to dream while asleep. This product, rather than being a solution, has enslaved the people, flinging them into an even deeper abyss of addiction and the gradual loss of self.

Apart from dealing with the societal pressures of the world he lives in, Charles is grappling with his own life predicaments and lacks the ability to connect with others on any genuine emotional level. He is depicted as an average citizen, living an unfulfilled and depressing life, which then leads him into the spiral of addiction to the fantastites. Charles' life takes a different turn when he starts sharing his Fantasites with his co-worker Reed (played by Shane O'Brien).

This dark, innovative, and thought-provoking film tackles issues about human nature, addiction, consequences of unrestrained technological advancements, and the battle for individuality. Director Doug Mallette brings a unique storytelling approach to the low-budget indie genre. Using aesthetics of the 80s and presenting an Orwellian vision, he has crafted a slow-burning narrative that provocative yet deeply empathetic.

John Ferguson shines as Charles, showing us a flawed character that you can't help but root for. His acting combined with a layered, intimate script makes Charles' journey intriguing and heartbreaking concurrently. Shane O'Brien's portrayal of Reed offers the perfect foil to Charles, leading to profound exchanges between the two characters. Jes Mercer, portraying the role of June, adds a fresh layer of complexity to the storyline, delivering a commendable performance.

The real star of the movie is its unorthodox theme. Worm brings to question our reliance on technology and the lengths to which humanity can go for the sake of convenience and artificial happiness. It questions the power of corporations, the horrible ramifications of unchecked scientific advancements, and the gradual loss of individuality and personal autonomy. It's a chilling recipe, stuffed with thoughtful questions about our world.

The narrative utilizes its peculiar yet captivating premise to weave a tale that is both absurd and scarily plausible. The movie takes an introspective look at human emotion, addiction, and dreams against a bleak, dystopian backdrop, offering a slow, yet gripping ride. It moves away from spectacle-driven narratives and chooses to focus on the protagonist's life — a life suppressed and controlled, presenting a grim picture of a not too distant future.

Worm, in essence, is an unconventional and introspective film. An existential horror that's more of an experience and acts as an uncomfortable mirror to our own reality. Despite being released in 2013, the film's themes resonate even more in today's technology-driven world, making this innovative indie film a must-watch for any fan of thought-provoking cinema.