Kristina Buozyte & Bruno Samper's "VESPER"

Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

This is one impressive movie. Acting is top-notch, the story itself is unique despite the well-trod post-apocalyptic landscape, and the visuals whether computer generated or practical are world class.

This is a future world where an ecological catastrophe has killed off most animal and human life. Those that remain eke out a living where human blood is traded for seeds that sprout.

Especially impressive on display is plant life that has developed motility and invasive as well as predatory behaviors. If you were fascinated by Annihilation’s worldscape Vesper will definitely appeal to you.

The story: a young scientist works on the fringes of what passes for “civilization” in this world. She attempts to reverse the paralysis that has infected her father with whom she is still able to communicate via a military surplus drone.. One day a ship crashes in a nearby forest and a young woman, surviving the crash, offers a glimmer of hope to the young scientist.

How that situation plays out forms the basis for serious dramatic conflict. In the process we witness the extreme measures the young scientist will pursue in her experiments and in her attempts to save her father.

It’s a grim and dark world yet sets, exotic plant life, laboratory equipment, and computer technology are unique and quite original. The movie may be dark but the technical originality of the movie’s visual designs and details is very impressive, as are the performances of all cast members.

Another film with similar production quality is Prospect. If you are interested in a serious and imaginative film, Vesper is for you.

Review copyright (c) 2023 by Dennis D. McDonald

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