Review: RADIUS (2017)
Science fiction and horror are two of the most schizophrenic genres, on the one hand, known for simplistic plots and a reliance on special effects they can also ask the deepest questions about humanity and the nature of existence itself. In RADIUS writer/directors Caroline Labrèche and Steeve Léonard (SANS DESSEIN) are asking a lot of questions.
Liam (Diego Klattenhoff PACIFIC RIM, THE BLACKLIST) comes to after a car accident and finds himself in a world of pale-eyed corpses, human and animal. Slowly he comes to the terrible realization it’s not the work of a virus or terrorist attack, it’s him, any living creature that gets within a50 foot radius of him dies instantly. Everyone except female amnesiac “Jane Doe” (Charlotte Sullivan THE COLONY). Together they need to try to remember who they are, what links them together and what is going on.
Taking an idea that could easily have become a routine thriller and turned it into an examination of identity and what makes a person that person. Stripped of their past and their memories just who are Liam and Jane? Are they the people they were before, or somebody new and different? Does losing or changing your past alter your future or is it all destined?
These are big questions for a small movie and wisely it keeps its focus on them and not trying to be an effects-driven film. It never exceeds three major characters and keeps approaching the questions it raises from unexpected directions, leading to a powerful ending.
It’s hard to say much about the story without giving too much away, as so much of its effect depends on the viewer finding things out with the leads. Suffice it to say this is one film that you’re not likely to get one step ahead of, it stays logical but surprising and as a result holds interest throughout. Those looking for a more action-filled genre film may be disappointed but those looking for more thoughtful fare will find RADIUS to be just what they were looking for.
RADIUS is in release on most VOD platforms from Epic Pictures.