Marco Garcia

As an American, we often see technology based sci-fi thrillers with larger budgets but Otherlife shows why that's unnecessary. An Australian movie based on Kelley Eskridge's novel titled Solitaire, Otherlife gives discourse on the use of virtual reality; and how science can both heal and harm someone. Without giving away too much of the plot, genius coder Ren Amari (played by Jessica De Gouw) pursues funding of her father's invention to create livable memories in an attempt to save her brother who is brain dead. Through plenty of drama and gripping turns as the plot progresses, Ren is faced with dilemmas as she is placed in a virtual prison cell. The last 40 minutes or so of the movie shift back and forth between storylines that eventually meet at the end, you will be thoroughly entertained over the 90 minutes of this Aussie sci-fi flick. As a film, Otherlife uses it's tight budget and minimal depictions of scenery, sets, and low cast count to create a larger world than what is shown on screen. The technology used seems somewhat farfetched as I can't imagine an eye drop doing as much as it is able to in the film (I'll let you determine that for yourself), but I could also imagine enjoying the ability to jump into a virtual world kind of like we would with current VR and video games. The film could use better lighting, for the most part is screams sci-fi thriller with the bluish tint that's added through most of the movie, everything seems a bit dark and perhaps it'll be most enjoyable at home with the blinds closed. The actors have strong characters but not-so strong acting as responses get predictable, expressions rarely change, and the writers only flesh out the slightest of a background for every characters but the protagonist. If you liked the movie Inception (a personal favorite) or the series Black Mirror (which I feel this movie emulates almost down to the music) you will truly enjoy this technological thriller with ominous tones that sets you up for the next twisting scene. The acting could've been better and the ending could've closed the story loop better, but I believe if it was released here in theatres it would've made plenty of box office cash, almost a must watch!