Virtual Fears Become Real in New Sci-Fi Horror

Read Time:3 Minute, 52 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Latency
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Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): James Croke
Writer(s): James Croke
Cast: Sasha Luss, Alexis Ren
Where To Watch: in select theaters June 14, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: LATENCY opens the door to the intricate life of Hana (Sasha Luss,) a formidable gamer facing challenges that spill over from virtual battles to real-world fears due to her severe agoraphobia (a chronic anxiety disorder that causes people to fear and avoid places or situations that may cause panic, helplessness, embarrassment, or feelings of being trapped.) Selected to test an advanced gaming device, she hopes to gain an edge in her digital conquests. This device, however, which connects directly with her brain, brings about more than just skill enhancement—it casts doubt on the reality she perceives, leading her to question whether its purpose is to aid or manipulate her.

James Croke, a new name in the directing world, delivers a tightly woven narrative in LATENCY, blending science fiction and psychological horror elements with a dose of AI fear. The choice of a single, confined setting parallels the entrapment Hana feels, heightening the film’s tension as the plot unwinds through themes of mental coercion and the invasive nature of technology.

In this thought-provoking debut, the unsettling potential of AI that merges too closely with the human brain is laid bare. Luss portrays Hana with a range of emotions that shift from terror to bewilderment, capturing her character’s fragility and increasingly precarious grasp of reality. Despite the strength of her performance, there are moments where a deeper dive into the abyss of psychological distress could have been more striking. The film relied too heavily on its atmosphere and didn’t dig deep enough into the story.

Alexis Ren, as Jen, injects a dose of energy into the dark corners of the narrative. However, her character doesn’t get to develop as much in a plot focused on Hana’s mental disintegration. While subtle, LATENCY's horror components effectively foster a sense of terror that enhances the exploration of Hana’s inner turmoil, eschewing typical horror motifs for a more psychological approach (although it did manage a few good jump scares.) The progression of the narrative innovates in its presentation of horror, dealing more with the dread of existential threats than palpable terrors.

The film also captures the isolating nature of agoraphobia, illustrating Hana’s confinement both as a physical and emotional reality. It serves as a stark reminder of how mental health issues can perpetuate a debilitating cycle of loneliness and melancholy. Luss’ performance sold this narrative and genuinely made you feel for her.

Croke’s first major outing with LATENCY indicates his capability for narrative exploration. While the film has an interesting hook, it occasionally falls short of fully exploring the ethical and psychological questions it raises. Expanding on AI’s origins and implications for society would have enriched the plot, providing a broader framework for the moral problems the film hints at.

LATENCY is an engaging mix of science fiction and horror that scrutinizes the fine line between technological advancement and the human psyche through the lens of a protagonist deeply troubled by the world she inhabits. It is a commendable debut for Croke and adds a distinctive piece to the indie film landscape, reminding viewers that the most profound fears are often hidden deep within us. If you can see this on the big screen, it would be worth it!

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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