Psychological Thriller Meets Social Satire

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MOVIE REVIEW
Share?
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Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 18m
Director(s): Ira Rosensweig
Writer(s): Benjamin Sutor, Ira Rosensweig
Cast: Melvin Gregg, Bradley Whitford, Alice Braga, Danielle Campbell
Where To Watch: arriving in select theaters & on digital and VOD November 10, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: The opening scenes of SHARE? plunge the viewer into a bewildering digital rabbit hole. It's an unsettling yet fascinating foray into the world of psychological manipulation and societal commentary, crafted meticulously by director Ira Rosensweig and co-writer Benjamin Sutor. The narrative is a thought-provoking reflection of our digital fascinations, making SHARE? more than a mere cinematic experience—it's a jolting wake-up call.

At the heart of SHARE? is our main protagonist, who is never named, portrayed with vulnerability by Melvin Gregg. He finds himself in a world where being watched is synonymous with survival, navigating a realm that is intriguing and eerie. I’ve watched a few films over the last year that dealt with some form of “influencers.” This has to be one of the most creative takes, though! As we follow his journey, the film introduces an intriguing and thought-provoking cast of characters that challenge, complement, and complicate his quest for freedom.

The actors in this film, particularly Gregg, hit every emotional note with precision. His portrayal showcases a dynamic range, from raw despair to a nuanced understanding of his bizarre predicament. Bradley Whitford’s character is alive with energy, while Alice Braga's steely determination and Danielle Campbell's subtle yet impactful presence round out this narrative quartet with perfection.

Despite its claustrophobic setting, SHARE? explores expansive and intricate themes. It delves into moral ambiguity, the fluidity of victim and perpetrator roles, and the heavy toll of the unseen digital world. While SHARE? skillfully dissects the shadows of our digital consumption, which has its challenges. The film rises above, taking four individual performances and pulling them together in a captivating expose that leaves you pondering an entire list of welcome questions as the credits roll.

SHARE? doesn't hand the audience a neatly wrapped conclusion. Instead, it opts for a meditative finale that stirs more questions than answers—a choice that may leave some viewers yearning for clarity but ensures the film's themes resonate beyond the confines of its runtime. If I can finish a film with questions yet still enjoy the experience, I think that’s the ultimate accomplishment. I’ve been thinking about the continuation of SHARE? from the moment I finished it. What happens next?

Ultimately, SHARE? is a formidable and thought-provoking narrative. Its critique of our digital engagement habits is as unsettling as essential. Not every viewer will embrace its open-ended nature, but the odyssey through this dystopian digital maze is undeniably captivating and invites profound reflection.

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[photo courtesy of XYZ FILMS]

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