Movie Poster

We’re meant to die.

# Review

Based on the animated series of the same name, Charlize Theron plays the titular character Æon Flux who is a resident of a dystopian futuristic city in 2415 established after a virus wiped out 99% of humanity’s population in 2011. Æon belongs to a group of rebels known as the Monicans; the group has the goal of overthrowing the regime headed by Trevor Goodchild (Marton Csokas).

I’ve never watched the source cartoon so I can’t comment on how faithful the real-life adaptation is; personally though, I found the plot pretty interesting. The settings are elegant and detailed. There are also various design choices that are very unique; notable examples include the fact that the Handler (Frances McDormand) communicates with the Monicans telepathically. There are also some tacky design choices, such as giving Sithandra (Sophie Okonedo) hands for feet. The cinematography is sleek and Theron makes a decent heroine and Csokas is a pretty compatible supporting character. For an action film, the pacing is quite slow and some of the scenes also feel repetitive. The film places too much emphasis on style and not enough on the actual meat and bones of action films, namely generating excitement and thrill.

# Conclusion

Despite the unique premise and sleek design choices, the film feels underwhelming and unmemorable.

# Overall rating: 6.4

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