Aeon Flux (2005) Review
Expecting the usual post-apocalyptic fare, I was pleasantly surprised by “Aeon Flux” (2005). This film, based on the MTV cartoon, goes beyond typical genre offerings with its strong cast, excellent location work in Berlin, and impressive production design.
Key Points
Æon Flux (2005) Plot Overview
“Aeon Flux” begins with the grim news that 99% of the population perished from a virus in 2011. Fast forward 400 years, and the remaining five million people live in a utopian walled city filled with art and gardens. However, something is amiss, as people mysteriously disappear. Some suspect the city’s leader, scientist Trevor Goodchild (Marton Csokas), of foul play. Enter Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron), a resistance assassin tasked with eliminating Goodchild. But when she gets her chance, she hesitates, feeling an inexplicable connection to him. This leads her to question the city’s utopia and her own existence.
Production and Design:
Full marks to the production team for transforming a somewhat crude cartoon into a semi-credible future society. Director Karyn Kusama’s decision to adopt an ‘organic-tech’ approach is visually striking. Deadly lawns and dart-firing gourds create a captivating blend of beauty and danger. Charlize Theron, in her skintight outfit, handles the action sequences well. However, she lacks the exotic, alien quality that might have elevated her performance to the next level.
Supporting Cast:
The film features strong British talent, including Patterson Joseph, Jonny Lee Miller, and the great Pete Postlethwaite, who appears in an unusual costume. Sophie Okonedo impresses as a fellow assassin with an extra set of hands instead of feet, showcasing nimble combat skills. Marton Csokas plays Trevor Goodchild as a complex character, with some chemistry between him and Theron that deepens the plot.
Themes and Execution:
As the story unfolds, it reveals that Goodchild is not the villain he appears to be, and he shares a mysterious connection with Aeon. The explanation of their bond, though not entirely original, is intriguing and touches on the deeper secrets of the city. This revelation raises questions about the nature of existence and what it means to be alive.
Conclusion:
“Aeon Flux” concludes with a predictable but memorable shootout in a high-tech pet shelter. The film’s ending, though standard for the genre, is a reaffirmation of the value of life. While not a great movie, “Aeon Flux” is a decent sci-fi actioner that looks stunning and explores its ideas more thoughtfully than most films of its kind. It’s worth a watch for its visual flair and thematic depth.
