In an era where science fiction inches closer to reality, with self-driving cars and artificial intelligence defining our future, Garth Davis’ “Foe” stands out as a poignant blend of nostalgia and foresight. It takes audiences back to the humanistic sci-fi tales of the 1960s and 1970s, where personal dilemmas eclipsed space battles and alien extravagance. But it also serves as a mirror to our imminent future, a time marked by climate upheaval and technological shifts that challenge the very essence of humanity. Yet, beneath its futuristic facade, “Foe” delves into something more intimate and unsettling – the vulnerability of a marriage.
At its core, “Foe” presents a bleak portrayal of a world on the brink of environmental collapse. Set in a desolate area , Henrietta (Saoirse Ronan) and Junior (Paul Mescal) struggle to survive. Hen works as a diner waitress, carefully conserving water for their single tree, while Junior toils in a nearby meat processing plant. Life is tough, but they find moments of joy and tenderness within their daily struggles.
Their daily life is disrupted one night by Terrance, a stranger who presents Junior with a life-altering proposition – to become a test subject for a space colony that could replace Earth. It’s a unique opportunity, promising a future for both of them, but with a catch: Junior will be away for an extended period, potentially straining their marriage. As a solution, Terrance offers Hen an AI companion identical to Junior, which she reluctantly accepts.
“Foe” unfolds with a captivating narrative that holds back a shocking yet logical twist until the third act. From the very beginning, an eerie sense of unease permeates the story. Director Garth Davis masterfully balances the portrayal of a believable marriage while subtly laying the groundwork for a narrative that challenges everything you’ve seen. The suspenseful and intriguing nature of the film keeps you engaged, even as it explores a sci-fi world within a 20th-century home.
The remarkable performances of Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal elevate “Foe.” Ronan adds subtlety and depth to Hen, avoiding dpictions of victimhood or independence. Mescal, known for his roles in “Normal People” and “Aftersun,” delivers a multifaceted Junior, capturing anger, confusion, and defiance, culminating in a performance that sells the third-act twist. Aaron Pierre, in the role of Terrance, infuses his character with a surprising blend of intensity and sensuality, offering more depth than expected.
Visually, “Foe” is remarkable, with Mátyás Erdély’s cinematography painting a parched world and a starved marriage with dusty browns and washed-out yellows. Yet, occasional bursts of shadow and color hint at life beyond, symbolizing change for Junior and Henrietta.
“Foe” could have been a grim tale of our impending doom, but instead, it emerges as one of the most hopeful films of its time. It’s also one of the most original sci-fi movies in a decade, delving deep into fundamental questions about humanity without offering simple answers.
Foe hit’s theatres Thursday 2nd November
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