Fast Color

The 2018 film Fast Color is an emotional and narrative fusion of drama, science fiction, and superhero storytelling. The critically acclaimed film stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Strathairn, and Lorraine Toussaint and is directed by Julia Hart. The depth of the characters, the intricate plot, and the unique supernatural undertones make this film stand out in the ocean of superhero-centric films.

Fast Color is set in a dystopian future, where water has become the world's most precious commodity due to prolonged drought. Central to the story is Ruth (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a woman living life on the run because of her unique abilities. She possesses a kind of seismic power when she has seizures, a power strong enough to cause earthquakes that are locally catastrophic. With these powers both baffling and frightening her, Ruth struggles to understand and control them, leading to a life filled with danger and secrecy.

Ruth finds herself relentlessly pursued by mysterious figures who understand the significance and power of her abilities and have sinister intentions of exploitation. In a desperate bid for safety, Ruth is forced to return to a place she had long left behind. She reunites with her estranged mother Bo (Lorraine Toussaint) and her young daughter Lila (Saniyya Sidney), who she had left behind when she fled her past.

As the story unfolds, we discover that Ruth's powers are not an anomaly. Bo and Lila also possess supernatural abilities, though different in nature from Ruth's. Fascinatingly, the three generations of women in this film reveal an inherent, inherited trait amongst them - the ability to deconstruct and reconstruct matter on an atomic level. For them, color is a language, a form of communication that transcends the barriers of spoken words. This, as well as the title, sheds light on why the movie is aptly named Fast Color.

The film explores the dynamic and intricate relationship Ruth shares with her mother and her daughter. Within this relationship, Fast Color doesn't just delve into the supernatural; it examines the universal themes of family, lineage, and self-discovery. Each relationship in the film reveals the power and potential of female connections and the significance of legacy and heritage.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw delivers a gritty performance as Ruth, bringing depth and complexity to her character. She masterfully portrays Ruth's fear, her struggle for control, acceptance, and reconciliation. Lorraine Toussaint as Bo is connected and grounded, silently powerful, a stark contrast to Ruth's raging uncontrolled power. Young Saniyya Sidney is stoically wise beyond her years, bringing an innocence and curiosity to the otherwise grim and intense film.

David Strathairn plays Ellis, a scientist and one of Fast Color's few male characters. His character is intricately woven into the storyline, adding more depth and intensity to Ruth's character and journey. Ellis is fascinated by the power these women possess and is on his own path of discovery, waiting for phenomena which the women describe as "the colors".

The film is beautifully shot, with cinematographer Michael Fimognari capturing the desolate post-apocalyptic landscape and juxtaposing it with bursts of color representing the supernatural powers of its protagonists. Julia Hart’s direction is exceptional, delving into the realms of human emotion and connection smoothly interwoven with supernatural elements. Hart displays a keen emphasis on showcasing everyday moments, interpretative symbolism, and vibrant colors, which creates visually delightful metaphoric scenes.

The minimalist background score, composed by Rob Simonsen, plays an unseen character in the movie, eliciting all the right emotions at all the right moments. The score complements the scenes, grounding and heightening them as needed, and contributing to the atmospheric tone of the film.

Fast Color departs from the standard superhero movie trope, offering a more personal, intimate, and human narrative. Through Ruth's journey, it highlights themes of family, redemption, empowerment, and the acceptance of one's powers. It explores the strength and vulnerability of three generations of women, who are wonderfully complex, deeply human, and refreshingly real.

In conclusion, Fast Color is a visually striking, thought-provoking film that cohesively blends family drama with science fiction. Its unique narrative, combined with powerful performances, makes it an engaging film that resonates long after the credits roll. It is a compelling film worth watching for those looking for an original approach to the familiar superhero tale.