All That We Destroy

All That We Destroy is a powerfully evocative 2019 film that brilliantly blends elements of the science fiction and horror genres. Directed by Chelsea Stardust, the movie stars Israel Broussard, Aurora Perrineau, and Dora Madison. This film is a part of Hulu's Into the Dark anthology series, designed in a way to be a standalone episode, making it an exciting addition to a collection of individual thought-provoking narratives.

The movie is set in a not-so-distant future and follows the chilling tale of a genetically modified clone, Ashley, portrayed by Aurora Perrineau. Dr. Victoria Harris, played by Samantha Mathis, is a geneticist who uses her impactful creation, Ashley, as a kind of psychological therapy for her son Spencer, played by Israel Broussard. However, as the story unfolds, viewers are plunged into an ethically challenging world, questioning the fragile nature of humanity and morality.

Spencer is a troubled young man, burdened by a sinister urge that he cannot control. After discovering his unsettling proclivity, his mother, a brilliant geneticist, takes upon a controversial solution in the form of cloning. This is where Ashley comes into play. She becomes an unwittingly ethereal tool in Dr.Harris' morally daunting experiment, which is supposed to help Spencer satiate his dark desires without harming real people.

Contrasting these menacing undertones, the movie is set against a technological utopian backdrop, offering viewers a striking, visually appealing experience. The cinematography and visual effects are streamlined, featuring slick minimalistic designs and sterile, sanitized spaces that create an unsettling atmosphere. This mood is further emphasized by the movie's score, subtly adding to the ever-present tension and enriching a sense of dread and unease.

The movie offers a large platform for Israel Broussard, who plays the main role. As Spencer, he succeeds in portraying a disparate range of emotions from frustration, guilt, to a glaring lack of empathy on occasion. Aurora Perrineau, in her portrayal of Ashley, offers a heartfelt and sincerely empathetic performance, adding the necessary depth and humanity to a character designed to be a disposable tool. Samantha Mathis makes her mark as Dr. Victoria Harris, masterfully portraying a desperate mother and a conflicted scientist utilizing her knowledge in ethically questionable ways.

Dora Madison delivers a strong performance as Marissa, Spencer's vivacious and lively love interest, who symbolizes normality contrasting the sterile and controlled environment of his life. Her role adds layers to the plot, intensifying the drama and adding a real-world dynamic that further deepens the complexity of the movie.

All That We Destroy takes viewers on a morally taxing journey. It raises existential questions about the value of life and the blurred lines between morality, ethics, and scientific progress, making it a narrative not just grounded in horror but also rich in philosophical discourse. The film challenges audiences to question the limitations of human intervention in natural life processes and the potential consequences of turning life into a controllable variable.

All That We Destroy is an exceptional amalgamation of deep-seated existential questions and societal commentaries wrapped in the garment of a thriller, playing brilliantly with the horror genre. It explores a grotesque subject matter while subtly maintaining an empathetic ambiance. This film perfectly fits the mold of Hulu's Into the Dark series, adding a gripping narrative about the prospect of humanity's future.

Though it may not be a traditional horror film, its quietly horrifying premise and disturbing psychological explorations make it well worth a watch for any fans of thought-provoking, future-gazing, and slightly dystopian cinema. It's a speculative contemplation on the potentiality of technological advancements and the potentially horrific side-effects of playing God.

In conclusion, All That We Destroy is a chilling psychological sci-fi horror movie, bending the predictable genre norms, intriguingly wrapped in a thoughtful narrative. The plot illuminates a speculative future while subtly questioning the moral ethics of scientific advancements, making it a deeply etched paradoxical journey in the viewers' minds. With a compelling storyline, exceptional acting performances, and ominous mood, All That We Destroy offers an eerie, thought-provoking, and unforgettable viewing experience.