Evolution

By Sean Patrick Kelly

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A young boy slowly realizes the true intentions of his guardians in Evolution. Nicolas (Max Brebant) is a ten year old boy living with his mother (Julie-Marie Parmentier) and other boys and women in an isolated seaside community. Nicolas is told that he is sick and requires daily medication and treatment at the nearby clinic. However, Nicolas slowly begins to realize that things are not what they seem and proceeds to investigate what is truly going on, with him finding an unexpected ally in the kind nurse Stella (Roxane Duran).

Evolution, directed by French filmmaker Lucile Hadžihalilovic (Innocence) is a film that can best be described as a coming-of-age drama, with some elements of science fiction and body horror. It is apparent early on in the film that something is off about this community, with all the women being emotionless and blonde and the kids all undergoing the same treatment and diet of a green slimy mush. While the film doesn't have an explicit explanation about what is going on, there are many visual clues in the film.

If there is a criticism that can be given to Evolution, it is that it's a bit of a slow film, that is in no rush to get to its major revelations. However, the film makes up for its pacing with some really exquisite cinematography, particularly the underwater shots of Nicolas going swimming. Also, the film does get quite delightfully weird, as more is revealed about what is going on in this community. Altogether, Evolution is a quite beautifully shot and well done sci-fi drama.

★ ★ ★ ★ | LIKED IT

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