Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
The Circle is a drama and technology thriller from director James Ponsoldt and stars Emma Watson and Tom Hanks. The plot follows a woman who lands a dream job at a powerful tech company called the Circle, only to uncover an agenda that will affect the lives of all of humanity.
Under The Lens: Split identity, no message
Split Identity: The Circle is an intriguing picture that suffers from an identity crisis, it does not know exactly what it wants to be or what genre it is intending fill. At times its a thriller, others a drama and still at others a kind of science fiction social message, the picture becomes confusing as you are not exactly sure as a viewer what type of film you are watching. It’s a shame because the picture shows glimmers of being really good before switching gears again, the identity crisis can make the viewer less invested in the story and sadly this is what happens with The Circle.
No Message: Going hand in hand with its split identity is that this picture has little to no message, the company “The Circle” is showcased as being very nefarious, and its owner a villain, yet we see little conflict or resolution to this story. Much the same is how the company is shown as overreaching with its technology yet at the conclusion of the picture the main character is still using it when the picture had concluded I could not pinpoint if the technology was bad if the company was really bad or just misunderstood.
Highlights
Tom Hanks turns in a rare villainous performance
This picture marks the final film role of actor Bill Paxton who tragically passed away a few months before
Quotable Quote
Mae: I’m most scared of unfulfilled potential.
Something to think about
Does the lack of privacy in today’s world of technology bother you? Do you regret at times being on social media?
Conclusion
Overall The Circle is a missed opportunity, it had the potential to be the next Social Network, however, a poor script and identity crisis drag this picture down. The picture does feature some decent performances from Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, and Bill Paxton yet these are not enough to raise this up from lows. The Circle, like its title never goes anywhere and just goes around and around for the whole of its runtime. Which in the end is sad, as its message of overreach in big tech is more needed than ever before.
