CRIMES OF THE FUTURE (2022)

Crimes of the Future is a science fiction body horror film directed by David Cronenberg, marking his long-awaited return to the genre that he helped define. Set in a dystopian future, the film envisions a world where humans are evolving to adapt to a synthetic environment, undergoing radical changes in their biology. Cronenberg weaves a complex narrative that explores profound themes such as evolution, identity, and the blurred lines between art and technology.

The film centers on Saul Tenser (played by Viggo Mortensen), a performance artist with the extraordinary ability to grow new organs within his body. Assisted by his partner Caprice (portrayed by Léa Seydoux), Saul turns his biological transformations into performance art, where the surgical removal of these organs becomes a spectacle for a fascinated audience. Their journey leads them deep into an underworld of body modification and underground surgeries, a place where art and grotesque experimentation collide. As they delve deeper into this unsettling reality, they encounter a shadowy organization with its own agenda, seeking to manipulate Saul’s abilities for their own mysterious purposes.

Crimes of the Future challenges viewers to ponder the essence of humanity in an ever-changing world. Cronenberg’s film is laden with his trademark exploration of body horror, tackling psychological and philosophical questions about human desires and the commercialization of the body in a technologically advanced society. Through its thought-provoking premise, the film invites audiences to reflect on the ethical dilemmas that arise when the human body becomes a canvas for artistic expression and scientific experimentation.

The film’s haunting score and visually arresting scenes further enhance its eerie atmosphere. While Crimes of the Future received a range of responses from critics, most praised its daring storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and the compelling performances of its cast, especially Mortensen and Seydoux.

Ultimately, Crimes of the Future serves as a thought-provoking meditation on the future of human evolution and the moral complexities that accompany technological progress, solidifying Cronenberg’s legacy as a master of blending horror with deep philosophical inquiry.