Advantageous

Advantageous, directed by Jennifer Phang and co-written with star Jacqueline Kim, is a thought-provoking and meticulously crafted science fiction film released in 2015. The movie walks tenderly between the aesthetic of science fiction and distinct reality, producing an intimate and emotional narrative that provides a satirical outlook on societal norms, technology, female identity, and mother-daughter relationships.

Jacqueline Kim plays the lead role, Gwen Koh, a single mother who struggles to secure the future of her gifted and intelligent daughter, Jules, played by Samantha Kim. Gwen works as a spokesperson for a biotech company, the Center for Advanced Health and Living. On the brink of launching a new product, the company demotes her, seeing an older woman's face as an unfit image for their brand.

With the world quickly evolving, this dystopian society is marred by the pressures of economic and social decline, high unemployment rates, and an immense gap between the wealthy elites and working classes. The film doesn't dramatize this future with flying cars or towering skyscrapers found in typical sci-fi movies. Instead, it embodies a more subdued and bleak ambiance, where technology makes and breaks the norms, and reflects issues we presently grapple with.

The demotion alarms Gwen due to the escalating cost of securing her daughter a place in an elite institution that could offer Jules a better future. Desperate and fearing for her daughter's security in this regressive socio-economic context, Gwen considers the company's radical new procedure–a consciousness body transfer–seeing it as her only safe play.

This procedure forms the epicenter of the movie as the audience witnesses Gwen's ethical and moral dilemma—that's subtly critiquing our contemporary society's obsession with youth, beauty, and the commodification of women's bodies. It highlights the depths a mother can reach to protect her child.

James Urbaniak plays Fisher, Gwen's supervisor and friend, offering a perspective into the uneasy choices that corporations make in pursuit of profits, and Freya Adams plays the role of Gwen 2.0, the younger version after the procedure. Both characters play crucial roles in contributing to the film's narrative and amplifying its central themes.

Advantageous is not your conventional sci-fi thriller with flash-bang effects and action sequence. Instead, it proves to be an emotional drama that comes under the wrap of a futuristic set-up. It delves deep into the essence of identity, sacrifice, and the very human fear of being replaced. The narrative prompts you to question our relationship with progress - asking if advancement is worth it if it compromises our very humanity.

Phang has rendered a subtle, emotional touch to scenes that help the audience become deeply invested in the characters, especially the relationship between Gwen and Jules. All the performances are praiseworthy, adding a depth of authenticity and relatability to the characters, alongside the considerable talent behind the direction and script.

The cinematography by Richard Wong is exceptionally well-executed, providing a sense of authenticity to the dystopian world, and the music by Timo Chen enhances the emotional richness of the film. The film consistently pushes the boundaries of indie sci-fi filmmaking with impressive visual effects on a limited budget, but it's the thought-provoking story and strong performances that make it stand out.

On the surface, Advantageous may seem like another science fiction tale dealing with body swaps, but at its heart, it's a powerful social commentary. It displays the implications of our obsession with youth, productivity, beauty, and the exploitation of female bodies. The film questions the essence of identity and humanity, the extent of sacrifice one could make for loved ones, and the choices one has to make, painting an image of a future that's not too hard to imagine.

In conclusion, Advantageous is an ingenious and beautiful amalgamation of science fiction and drama. Its compelling narrative, attention to detail, and emotive performances make it a must-watch for film enthusiasts attracted to a subtler and more contemplative style of science fiction. It stands out as a brilliant example of social sci-fi that balances personal trials with profound societal critiques.