Engaging Visual and Philosophical Worlds Collide

Read Time:3 Minute, 40 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Divinity
–

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Eddie Alcazar
Writer(s): Eddie Alcazar
Cast: Stephen Dorff, Moises Arias, Jason Genao, Karrueche Tran, Mike O’Hearn, Emily Willis, Scott Bakula, Bella Thorne
Where To Watch: opening in select theaters October 13, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: I thought long and hard about how I wanted to open this review; this film isn’t easy to review. I think the best way to explain it would be to say that it’s like a mix of the movies UNDER THE SKIN, ESCAPE FROM TOMORROW, LAST AND FIRST MEN, and all of the artsy parts of the original PLANET OF THE APES, oh, and that Apple Commercial from 1984 that introduced the world to the Apple Macintosh computer. If this still doesn’t help you, then just watch it!

Embark on a philosophical adventure through the peculiar and daunting universe crafted meticulously by Eddie Alcazar in DIVINITY. A narrative where the dread and allure of infinite youth violently collide with human imperfection and stark capitalist exploitation. DIVINITY didn’t simply pique my intrigue; it plunged me into an abyss of moral and philosophical quandaries, where the echoing waves of profound themes and compelling performances reverberated through my thoughts. The film is a visual protest against the world it inhabits.

In the stark landscapes of DIVINITY’s future, the unquenchable thirst for youth has manipulated and maligned societal norms, gifting us a rich, albeit tumultuous, storyline. Stephen Dorff’s portrayal of Jaxxon Pierce – the inheritor of this daunting legacy – takes us on a spiraling journey through an emotional storm, ensuring that viewers are not simply spectators but rather entwined into the sinews of its compelling narrative. Alcazar doesn’t shy away from delving into the abyss of these dystopian desires. Instead, he explores their moral and socio-ethical consequences, offering a more profound exploration than many films dare to tread.

Despite its gripping narrative, DIVINITY leaves some stones unturned. Ziva, brought to life by Bella Thorne, presents a subplot that flickers like a candle in the wind, tantalizingly close to revealing a counter-narrative to DIVINITY's reign but ultimately fluttering away, underexplored. On the other hand, Nikita, embodied by Karrueche Tran, presents a glimpse into an alternative moral choice that could be dissected further.

Adopting a refreshing cinematic methodology, DIVINITY mesmerizes with its viscerally arresting visuals and an auditory spectacle that delicately balances the fine line between story-telling and sensory experience. Alcazar employs a masterful command of cinematic language, expertly guiding the audience through a detailed, disturbing, yet intriguing depiction of a potential future.

DIVINITY doesn’t just show us a glimpse of a future shaped by our primal fears and desires; it holds a mirror to our present, starkly illuminating our moral and existential dilemmas, ensuring the reflections on morality, life, and existence continue to echo within us, long after the darkness envelops the screen. A haunting yet beguiling dive into a future that concurrently shines a beacon on our unrelenting pursuit of aesthetic perfection and perpetual youth, DIVINITY immerses viewers into a contemplative trance that extends far beyond its final scenes, compelling us to ponder, question, and, most importantly, remember.

This film won’t be for everyone and won’t connect with everyone; this is a process and an experience.

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[photo courtesy of UTOPIA]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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