Crimes of the Future (2022) spoiler free review
Two decades later the master of body horror, David Cronenberg, is back. Crimes of the Future is a science fiction body horror film written and directed by Cronenberg but is not a remake of his other film of the same name released in 1970. Starring Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings), Léa Seydoux (Blue is the Warmest Color, No Time to Die) and Kristen Stewart (Spencer, Snow White and the Huntsman).
As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, the body undergoes new transformations and mutations. Accompanied by his partner, celebrity performance artist Saul Tenser showcases the metamorphosis of his organs. Meanwhile, a mysterious group tries to use Saul’s notoriety to shed light on the next phase of human evolution.
Official plot
It premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, competing for the Palme d’Or where it received a six-minute standing ovation. It received a theatrical release in France on May 25, 2022, and opened in the United States and Canada on June 3, 2022.
My opinion
This film marks the return of Cronenberg to horror after 22 almost 23 years so mind the excitement of many fans when we knew that such a legend will be back to the genre. But of course things took a different turn after the film was released. While the critics praise the film and give it a high rating the audience gave another opinion. In my case, I’m part of the group that believes that this film is not as good as we thought that it will be. I had a similar experience with the folk horror film Men (2022) that came out last month. By the trailer the film looked good but watching it was whole other story. Both films will leave you with more questions than answer and that is not always a positive thing.
Crimes of the Future revolves around the human evolution in an unknown future but it made the story too complicated becoming weird, bizarre and even at times a little bit boring. Not even the good cast can save this film since the acting feels average. This film had a good concept and cast behind with the potential to be in an actual really good body horror film. During the premiere part of the audience walked out, even Cronenberg was expecting it. I think the people left the cinema after realizing that this film it wasn’t for them, it was maybe too weird, complicated or hard to understand since the body horror is easy to handle. Sadly this film didn’t pass the test with the audience after being one of the most expected films of this year.
This is the type of film that it’s made to a specific type of audience but, which one? I’m not sure. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would, it’s just not the type of horror film for me. But still I think that it’s pretty decent so I suggest you to give it a shot if you haven’t already. Who knows maybe you will enjoy it way more than me.