Surrogates (2009)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  5 / 10

  Surrogates is another exercise in "great concept, poor execution". Ever thought to yourself "wow, actually that would make for an intellectually stimulating and philosophically provocative film challenging both morals and ethics"? No? Really? Just me then. Surrogates is just that, with a apt theme that becomes more timely and relevant as time inevitably progresses on. Unfortunately, it is imbued in mediocrity. An FBI agent investigates a series of murders, to which each victim is a humanoid robot known as a "surrogate". Let's put aside the clichéd murder mystery for a moment, and focus on the conceptual idea of "surrogates". Idyllically designed robots that enable humans to experience life from the comfort and safety of their own abode. Work, procrastinate, procreate, pro-whatever. These androids assume the life role of the human, negating the requirement for humanity. Crime rates are lowered, economy is booming and happiness is flourishing. The addiction for essentially role-playing the perfect life is quite subversive. That's where the film excels. Illustrating innovative technology that is plausible and galvanising. Just a shame that the second and third act shift the focus to a dull derivative crime plot that boasts minimal twists with underwhelming results. The screenplay is not enticing enough to make us care in searching for the culprit. The characters are not developed enough to pull off any twists. Unnecessarily convoluted. Not to mention Mostow's reliance on diagonal camera angles, sorry but it makes the whole production look like it's a music video. What I will say, much to my surprise, was that the acting was fine. I had no quarrels with Willis' monotonous acting, in fact it suited his "surrogate" and actually his human character did have a few emotional moments. Mitchell and Pike remain underrated as ever. It's a good cast, one that certainly enticed me. However, the visual effects were mediocre at best. This sci-fi mystery is a bittersweet experience. A stupendously captivating concept that clearly started running out of ideas and quickly became a disposable mess.

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