Imagine a film that seeks to unravel the tangled web of modern societal issues while sparking debate among its audience. 'The Near Future', directed by Sophie Goyette in 2016, plants itself squarely in this arena. Set in Canada, it follows the story of a pilot whose personal and professional life takes him on a spiritual journey. As he navigates through loss and coping mechanisms, the film paints a picture not just of the individual but of the larger cultural shifts and ethical dilemmas we face today.
'But what's so controversial about that?' you might wonder. Well, art imitates life in the most profound way, and 'The Near Future' presents themes and motifs that challenge some contemporary socio-political narratives. It operates in character-driven storytelling, which leaves plenty of room for interpretation — and therein lies the beauty. Diverging from typical Hollywood canyon-jumping, this film asks its audience to ponder the spiritual and existential questions that can make the status quo uncomfortable.
What stands out is the film's portrayal of the transformation that happens when one shifts from focusing on external distractions to internal reconciliation. The viewer follows the protagonist’s emotional investment into existential questions and personal traumas, offering a contrast to the bloated entertainment industry’s preference for mindless amusement. 'The Near Future' values its emotional depth over commercial thrill, reshaping our understanding of entertainment.
The narrative unfolds slowly, unlike the usual rush of digital-age storytelling. This deliberate pace is counter-cultural today when attention spans are shorter than ever. Yet it serves as a gentle, albeit provocative reminder that life’s most significant questions don’t fit neatly into a tweet or trend. For those addicted to echo chambers filled with simplified narratives, this movie could be a trying experience.
Notably, the film embraces quiet introspection over loud declarations. It asks questions that demand substantive thought and reflection, which is a challenge given today's preference for fast answers and instant gratification. The pilot’s emotional voyage is profound and unexpectedly political. Rather than having a protagonist who acts impulsively or irrationally, it provides one who thoughtfully engages with the complexity of his life. That's one way to upset the apple cart!
In 'The Near Future', the audiences are not spoon-fed answers but are left to ponder and reflect, demanding of them a degree of critical thinking and emotional maturity. In a culture where sensational headlines often outshine reasoned debate, this is a breath of fresh air, though a potentially contentious one.
The video direction and soundscape play pivotal roles in the film, often guiding the viewer’s emotional state subtly but effectively. Delicate whispers, the rustle of wind, or the distant roar of airplane engines add layers and depth that words alone cannot convey. It’s almost spiritual, and it elevates the human experience at the film’s core, making the audience feel part of something larger and more profound.
This movie also invites conversation about life's purpose, something many might shy away from. Rather than offer a politically correct or simplistic answer, the film opens the floor to big questions about human existence. Amidst the fluff of mainstream media content, its profound narrative is both challenging and rewarding for those willing to engage.
‘The Near Future' takes place in beautiful landscapes that are both stark and serene, mirroring the internal tumult and serenity the characters experience. In a world increasingly dominated by artificial aesthetics and manufactured narratives, this choice of setting revives the raw allure of nature and truth.
While the film doesn't follow a traditional narrative arc, its open-endedness allows it to seep into the viewer’s thoughts long after the credits roll. For those seeking substance over spectacle, this can remind us of cinema's potential to exceed mere entertainment.
‘The Near Future’ doesn’t hesitate to spotlight how love, loss, and change shape us. It begs us to consider if our current trajectory is ideal or if change is essential. The portrayal of the lead character’s navigation through personal loss and psychological evolution is a soft jab at the need for emotional resilience.
This film is not for everyone. Those yearning for a passive watching experience may miss its subtlety. But for those who see cinema as a mirror reflecting society’s deeper questions, ‘The Near Future’ is a notable yet understated powerhouse. It stands as a testament to how art, stripped of embellishments, holds a mirror to our times.