Technology is rapidly changing our society making some jobs which still existed in the previous century obsolete. So it’s not that hard to imagine that with the development of artificial intelligence, but also by introducing simple technical systems, people won’t be very relevant anymore in various areas. Advantageous is set in such a future, having made it harder to find jobs, especially for women.
That quickly becomes clear when the movie opens. Gwen Koh (Jacqueline Kim) lives together with her daughter Jules (Samantha Kim) and they are listening how the women in the apartments above and below them are crying. On the streets there are many homeless women and according to the new the amount of young prostitutes is rapidly increasing. Gwen has been the face for the Center for Advanced Health and Living for year, a company which sell products to stay healthy for a longer time and look young as well. She wants to make sure that her daughter will make it in society and has made sure she is going to the best school available, so she has an advantage.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnBT0izYi7A]
Unexpectedly she is told by her company that they are thinking about replacing her as the face for their product. Gwen has gotten a bit older and this could scare away customers is their reasoning. She tries everything to be able to keep her job, but it’s a battle that seem impossible to win. Until she hears of a new, very risky procedure which the company has developed and would allow her to keep her job. That procedure does have a dark side though which could have a huge impact on the relationship she has with her daughter.
Even though Advantegeous isn’t a big budget movie it manages to look good and shows a futuristic world (including high imaginative buildings and flying cars). With its Instagram-filter look this world feels warm and the relationship between mother and daughter gives the movie its heart. The concepts it deals with are interesting, but unfortunately it doesn’t completely work. Reason for this is that the dialog often feels artificial. Secondly the second part of the movie doesn’t manage to have the same emotional impact the opening has, which is a shame. Still, I’m very much looking forward to see what director Jennifer Phang will be doing next as she shows a lot of potential.
Oh man, I love this movie. I think the characters go on an emotional journey that is so honest and indicative to where today’s culture is going.
Yeah, some things are definitely recognisable!
Never heard of it – until now. Looks interesting, a kind of “under the radar” film many people would miss. The trailer looked pretty good anyway. Might have to check this out.
Yeah, it was interesting. Over here it is available through Netflix.