The Human Cost of High-Tech Surveillance

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MOVIE REVIEW
Total Trust
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 37m
Director(s): Jialing Zhang
Language: Chinese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: opening theatrically on December 8, 2023, at NYC’s Film Forum, followed by additional markets

RAVING REVIEW: In TOTAL TRUST, director Jialing Zhang takes us through the intricacies of China's surveillance state, artfully balancing the tightrope walk between personal freedom and societal safety. This documentary transcends the typical genre confines, offering a narrative that grips your attention and sparks a deeper reflection on the themes it presents. The film marries stark reality with compelling storytelling, leaving a lasting impression that resonates with you, making you think about the balance of what safety means.

Zhang's directorial vision in TOTAL TRUST triumphs, transforming potentially dry subjects like facial recognition into a relatable and thought-provoking narrative. Each scene is framed, drawing the viewer into the heart of the surveillance experience and the lives it affects. The film's visual narrative is a testament to the power of the director's lens, transforming complex technological concepts into a story that's both accessible and engaging.

At the center of TOTAL TRUST are the stories of human rights defenders, transforming what could have been a mere academic discussion into an emotionally charged human drama. These stories are the lived experiences of real people facing challenges. These activist stories form the documentary's emotional core, lending a powerful voice to the film's message. There’s such a vital difference between an informative documentary and one that makes you feel, one that lets you connect with the people that the subject affects daily.

The film explores deep into the murky waters of China's digital monitoring and control mechanisms, portraying a narrative as thrilling and educational as it is chilling and concerning. This dive into the state's pervasive surveillance tactics illuminates a world where every gesture and word can be tracked and influenced, weaving an accurate yet disturbingly relevant storyline.

Exploring the psychological effects of living under unrelenting surveillance was one of the most intriguing aspects; while cameras are “everywhere” in the US, it’s like two different worlds. Zhang doesn't just present facts; he portrays them as an emotional journey that the documentary's subjects must navigate. The film brings these surveillance subjects' mental and emotional burdens to the forefront, creating an emotionally impactful narrative arc.

Zhang's portrayal of emotions in TOTAL TRUST adds another layer to the film's structure, blurring the lines between traditional documentary and dramatic storytelling. By default, I assume that most documentaries will be stories that can be emotional but will often avoid the impact on the viewer. This approach raises intriguing questions about the ethics and methods of documentary filmmaking, adding a unique dimension to the film's narrative.

Despite its specific focus on China, the themes of TOTAL TRUST resonate globally. The documentary is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked surveillance and the importance of safeguarding individual freedoms in the face of governmental overreach.

TOTAL TRUST is a bold, thought-provoking film that elevates the conversation about privacy and freedom in our digitally dominated era. With its intricate details, poignant character studies, and engaging themes, TOTAL TRUST is a memorable work within the documentary genre and in the broader discourse on individual rights and state power in our contemporary world. This film is a testament to cinema's ability to tell stories, ignite discussions, and drive societal change.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]