Ares

Ares, released in 2016, is a riveting science fiction drama set in a dystopian future, directed by Jean-Patrick Benes. The movie features performances from popular actors Ola Rapace, Micha Lescot, Thierry Hancisse, and many others. Propelled by thought-provoking themes and eye-popping visuals, Ares offers a darkly fascinating lens on the future of humanity.

Set in the near future in France, the country is in economic and social decline stricken with abject poverty, rampant unemployment, and civil unrest. Large corporations have usurped the government's power, running the state with an iron grip and using the citizenry as disposable workers, or even worse, experimental subjects for war-driven advancements. In such an environment, money reigns supreme, and survival comes at a significant cost.

The story revolves around the life of a former fighter, Ares Delons, played by the versatile actor Ola Rapace. Ares is now making a living as a stooge, essentially a glorified guinea pig for the immense pharmaceutical corporations involved chiefly in the experimentation and development of drugs, designed for the human body to sustain more extensive combat wounds, enhance aggression, and offer rapid healing. These sophisticated drugs allow nations to continue war indefinitely, thus maintaining a continual demand for their products.

While he leads a tough life, Ares has an undying affection for his nieces, and all his earnings go towards ensuring their sustenance and safety. However, living on the borderline of extreme poverty and desperation is challenging. The relentless pull of his past and the dire state of his present pose moral, ethical, socio-political dilemmas that Ares must navigate to survive in this uncompromising world.

Micha Lescot, who portrays Ares’s manager, gives a striking performance as his character maneuvers to maintain his alliance with the troops using Ares’s services. Thierry Hancisse effortlessly rounds out the ensemble cast, playing a significant role in the darkness and allure of this dystopian world. The cast's performances are visceral and engaging, adding depth to the vivid depiction of a future where greed replaces human values.

The film boasts an intense atmosphere, further amplified by pounding music and a visual aesthetic that feels simultaneously futuristic and grungy. The grim vision of the future illustrates a world plagued by the greed of big corporations and the deteriorating physical and emotional states of its citizens. The fantastic cinematography and special effects create a vividly believable dystopian landscape and transform the shocking concept of humans as experimental subjects into a haunting and plausible vision.

Ares showcases a narrative layered with socio-political commentary on the obsession with progress at the cost of human life and dignity. The movie leaves a lasting impression with its questions about the price humanity may end up paying for technological advancement and the potential consequences of the reckless pursuit of profit, power, and war.

The gruesome violence and explicit content of the film may not cater to all tastes, but it certainly adds to the raw and unforgiving representation of this harrowing future where Ares and his kind serve as the expendables of society. Despite being a dark and unsettling film, Ares does have a streak of deep sentimentality, particularly focusing on Ares’ bond with his family.

To sum up, Ares is an intense science fiction thriller that effectively combines visceral action sequences, a thought-provoking narrative, and striking performances. It presents a bleak vision of the future, stirring a mixture of dread and fascination in the viewers. This French film offers a nuanced perspective on technology, power, and human resilience. It's a must-watch for fans of dystopian sci-fi and French cinema.