Auggie

The 2019 American science fiction drama film, Auggie, is an engrossing narrative that delves into the realm of augmented reality and its impacts on real-life relationships. Directed by Matt Kane, this film brilliantly challenges the traditional confines of human connection through its thought-provoking storyline. With commendable performances by Richard Kind, Larisa Oleynik, and Christine Donlon, this movie invites viewers into a not-so-distant future where advanced technology blurs the lines between reality and illusion.

Auggie opens with the character of Felix Greystone, played by Richard Kind, who has spent the prime years of his life as an architect in a technocratic society. A sudden, unexpected retirement leaves Felix with more downtime than he is comfortable with. To alleviate his loneliness and provide him with companionship, Felix's wife and daughter give him a pair of augmented reality glasses as a retirement present.

The glasses, known as 'Auggie,' provide a personalized artificial companion, designed to cater to the user's emotional needs. For Felix, Auggie takes on the form of a young and personable woman, impeccably portrayed by Christine Donlon. What begins as an innocent interaction with Auggie soon develops into something far more intricate and profound, forcing Felix to question the boundaries of human connection.

While dealing with the newfound retirement and the uncanny presence of Auggie, Felix also grapples with his real-life relationships. His wife, Anne, portrayed by Larisa Oleynik, finds herself increasingly sidelined as Felix becomes more engrossed with his virtual companion. As Auggie continues to provide Felix with ideal companionship, he is forced to reassess the elements lacking in his earthly relationships.

The core of Auggie lies in its exploration of the human condition in an era of advancing technology. Amidst the layers of science fiction, the film poignantly examines themes of loneliness, ageing, marital issues, and the human yearning for companionship. Director Matt Kane skillfully weaves a sense of relatability into this otherworldly narrative, striking a delicate balance between relaying a compelling story and prompting audiences to ponder their relationship with technology.

Richard Kind's performance deserves special mention as his portrayal of Felix. His ability to transition between the joy, apprehension, and struggle that this character undergoes makes Felix relatable and sympathetic. Larisa Oleynik contributes a nuanced performance as Anne, displaying her character's challenges and frustrations with a markedly subtler yet impactful approach. Christine Donlon brings depth and charm to her role as the titular 'Auggie,' introducing an interesting dynamic and layer to the film.

In addition to the compelling performances, the visual aesthetic of the film bears a minimalist and understated quality, perfectly capturing the nuanced emotions of the characters and the quiet thrill of advancing technology. The visual effects subtly represent the artificial world Auggie offers to Felix, never overpowering the narrative but instead elegantly serving it.

Auggie is a significant film in the era of burgeoning technology as it poses pertinent questions about human reliance on artificial intelligence for companionship and emotional support. It is a quiet, introspective exploration of modern human relationships, loneliness and the concept of reality. In its own thought-provoking way, Auggie is a film that compels viewers to contemplate their realities and even their potential futures: when does a remedy become a reliance, and can an artificial entity ever replace, or even surpass, genuine human interaction?

Auggie is a fascinating watch for any science fiction enthusiast, psychological drama lover, or anyone intrigued by the portrayal of technology’s impact on human relationships. This film is a gentle reminder of how the escalating advance of technology can deeply impact our life and relationships, making Auggie a subtly profound viewing experience.