In a realm where the boundary between the surreal and the tangible is blurred, the upcoming science fiction thriller,Divinity, invites audiences to traverse a monochromatic nightmare infused with the quest for immortality. As October beckons, cinema aficionados prepare to witness a unique harmony of genius asSteven Soderberghproduces a piece brought to life through the masterful direction and writing of Eddie Alcazar. With its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, this fervently awaited film vows to reshape our perspectives on the intrinsic nature of time and life, an evolution echoed in the newly released trailer (viaUtopia), laden with surreal visuals.
At the heart ofDivinitylies an elixir that seems to hold the secrets of eternity, concocted by the visionary scientist Sterling Pierce, portrayed by the seasoned Scott Bakula. However, as often seen in the annals of human history, great power tends to birth formidable darkness. This darkness takes shape in Pierce’s morally compromised son, Jaxxon, brought to the screen with unnerving precision by Stephen Dorff,known for his role inBlade. Jaxxon’s insatiable hunger for control sees him dominating not just the production of this life-altering serum but the very pulse of the world itself.
Amidst the bleak and seemingly invincible reign of Jaxxon, hope emerges in the form of two enigmatic siblings, played by Moises Arias (The King of Staten Island) and Jason Genao (The Get Down). Aided by a woman of mystery, embodied by Karrueche Tran ofClaws, they dare to envision a world free from the tyrannical grip of Jaxxon. Their audacious plan to kidnap the tycoon unveils not just a physical journey but a philosophical voyage towards redefining immortality.
Adding depth to this already star-studded cast are Bella Thorne (The Babysitter), Mike O’Hearn (Magazine Dreams), and Emily Willis, with the atmospheric soundscape crafted by DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill, promising an auditory experience that complements the visual mastery. Check out the trailer forDivinitybelow:
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Divinity: Where Bold Artistry Meets Cinematic Controversy
What truly setsDivinityapart is its bold artistic choices,transcending conventional cinema norms. It harbors an ethereal quality, heightened by its choice of 16mm black-and-white film, reminiscent yet markedly distinct from classics like Darren Aronofsky’sPi. Additionally, Alcazar introduces audiences toMetascope, a unique stop-motion animation style that adds layers of complexity and surrealism to the narrative. This audacious venture, described as a blend ofA Clockwork OrangeandThe Elephant Manby Dorff, takes viewers on an unparalleled journey, enriched further by the spine-chilling transformation Dorff undergoes, giving life to a character who is as fascinating as he is terrifying.
However,Divinityhas not been without its skeptics. Emerging from its Sundance debut, reviews oscillated between praise for its atmospheric depth and criticism regarding the perceived lack of a cohesive plot. Bella Thorne further fueled curiosity by revealing the absence of a formal script during the filming process, a bold move that showcases the experimental spirit that drives this project.
As we approach the October 13 premiere, the cinematic realm buzzes with anticipation and a myriad of questions. WillDivinityredefine the parameters of storytelling, or will it be a visual masterpiece that leaves audiences yearning for more substance?
