Crimes of the future.

- Crimes of the future. (Canada, 2022. Dir. David Cronenberg)

Pollution and climate change have finally become irreversible. Among the wrecks is still mankind, clinging to bio machines that directly interface with and help control basic bodily functions. But now our bodies are changing. Some are growing vestigial organs —like performance artist Saul, who with his partner Caprice puts on live surgery art shows. Others may well be evolving into a new kind of human —a new kind of creature, that survives on plastic and toxic waste. But what mankind has not lost is the capacity for deceit… 

Triumphant return to body horror —or rather to new flesh —by Cronenberg. Another powerful, kinky, just-for-adults and thought provoking sci-fi yarn that invites us to both ponder and be thrilled —or repulsed! Alongside the expected icky creations (an autopsy table used for erotic performances, sculpted in the shape of a cockroach; a purple candy bar made of compressed toxic wastes; custom-made tattooed vestigial organs —and more!) —alongside them is a subtly complex conspiracy tale. 

Because more than half the cast are revealed to be faking their true sympathies and motives, so much of the movie can be called into question as we reach the final act. But this movie is not interested in proposing a mystery —it’s interested in the visceral, the intellectual… the intellectualizing of viscera. The philosophy of art, mutation and evolution. 

Slow-paced, sprinkled with intense performances and a fittingly seedy atmosphere. Not to be missed —though definitely not for everyone!

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