I’ve been excited to see this film since its very first trailer, where star Emily Blunt, on camera, moves from spoken word to clicks and ticks, and no one knows why. And they kept the secret right up to when the movie was coming out. What was it about? A.I.? Aliens? Robots? Whatever it was going to be, I was down for Steven Spielberg’s triumphant return to science fiction. The movie did not disappoint.
At the start of the movie, the world is on the cusp of World War III, with saber-rattling by the US and North Korea. With tension in the air, a top secret agency is chasing after a former employee, Daniel (played by Josh O’Connor), who has stolen some proprietary tech from them. When confronted, Daniel pulls out the item, which looks like a sliver of metal of some kind, and immediately the agency’s goons back off, obviously afraid of what it can do. Daniel is able to get away with his girlfriend Jane in tow, but it isn’t long before the agency strikes back. Its head, Noah (Colin Firth), sits in a chair and pulls out a similar-looking metal device, and uses it to “dive” into Jane’s consciousness. He’s able to control her to look around and find out where she and Daniel are, and even control her movements and interrogate her within her mind. Noah wants Daniel back (or dead) and will go to any length to make that happen.
Meanwhile, weatherwoman Margaret (Emily Blunt) is getting ready to leave her apartment for work when a cardinal flies inside an open window. Margaret stares at the bird for a couple seconds, and when she turns to her boyfriend after, starts speaking fluently in Russian, without realizing she’s doing it. The boyfriend is confused, but before he can ask what’s going on, Margaret runs off to get to work. On her way, she is pulled over by a cop for speeding, but sees into his soul before he can write a ticket. Margaret has suddenly gained some kind of psychic ability and can now “read” people and provide comfort where needed, telling them how to deal with troubled moments in their lives. She can also instinctively speak whatever language is their first, in order to effectively communicate.
Separately, Daniel’s former boss at the super-secret government agency (Hugo, played by Colman Domingo) is trying to bring Daniel and Margaret together. He has a plan to out his former employers and bring what they’ve been hiding (Daniel’s device, as well as video footage he’s carrying) to share with the world on what he is calling Disclosure Day. But is the world ready for that. Knowledge? Absolutely tremendous film, I was hooked from its very opening moments. Some great action scenes, including an incredible train scene that will have you holding your breath, and while the ending is predictable, it is compelling enough to keep you hooked. ★★★★½
Jons Movie Takes 