iBoy

iBoy is a contemporary sci-fi thriller released in 2017, helmed by Adam Randall and penned by Joe Barton. The film features Bill Milner ("X-Men: First Class," "Son of Rambow") in the lead role, supported by rising star Maisie Williams ("Game of Thrones"), seasoned actress Miranda Richardson ("The Hours," "Harry Potter series") and Rory Kinnear ("Spectre", "Skyfall").

The storyline of iBoy is intriguing, centering on the technologically charged modern world, exploring a unique intersection of technology, ethics, and the classic hero-vs-villain narrative. It's a tale wrapped around the mysterious concept of a teenager embarking on a quest for vengeance, facilitated by his unexpected newfound tech-powers.

Bill Milner plays Tom, a somewhat ordinary British teenager living a mundane life in a crime-infested neighborhood of London. His life takes a drastic turn, offering an Orwellian perspective, after an unexpected encounter with ruthless criminals leaves him unconscious and fighting for his life. When he wakes up from his coma, he is no longer the same person, now equipped with unprecedented techno-based capabilities after fragments of a mobile phone get embedded into his brain, hence the name ‘iBoy’. Suddenly, the world around him is not as it seems, but rather a complex network of signals, binary data, and digital information, all accessible and manipulable to him thanks to his extraordinary capability to interface directly with the electronics and wireless networks that inhabitt the atmosphere.

Maisie Williams plays Lucy, Tom's high-school love interest and the catalyst to his superhero transformation. Her portrayal adds a layer of vulnerability on one end and resilience on the other, as her character also suffers from the effects of the rampant criminal landscape of their part of London. Her bond with Tom and how it drastically metamorphoses after the life-changing event forms a crucial subplot, adding emotional depth to this high-concept story.

Miranda Richardson graces the role of Nan, Tom's compassionate yet fierce grandmother. She personifies the struggle and courage of individuals living in their crime-ridden society. Rory Kinnear, on the other hand, plays a vile local crime lord, adding a strong antagonist presence to this urban sci-fi tale.

The theme of iBoy delves also into the social commentary, exploring the gritty realities of urban crime and the significant impact it has on the communities and individuals that are targeted. The movie navigates these rough waters with a highly original premise, coupling it with an exploration into the realm of technology, powering AI, computer hacking, cyber-security, and digital surveillance.

It paints a vivid picture of a modern-day superhero, leaning towards realism rather than showcasing high-octane, larger-than-life superhuman capabilities. Tom's powers are grounded in today's technological reality, or at least the edge of it, which is a refreshing take on the superhero narrative.

iBoy, although grounded in reality, is primarily a work of fiction and speculative technology, pushing the boundaries of current technological knowledge, unfolding a potential sci-fi future within a contemporary setting. The film's unique blend of action, thriller, and science fiction elements combined with a strong emotional undercurrent offers a captivating cinematic experience.

iBoy's intriguing story, compelling performances and its unique techno-thriller perspective make it a good watch for anyone interested in a refreshing take on the superhero genre. The plots sensitive handling of serious societal issues interwoven with a thrilling narrative stand testament to the meticulous direction of Adam Randall and the clever writing of Joe Barton.

In conclusion, iBoy is a bit of a techno whirlwind, delivering an imaginative and novel interpretation of the proverbial hero origin story. With its distinct fusion of modern technology and the evergreen theme of vigilante justice, it effectively entertains while simultaneously pushing viewers to consider the implications of our increasingly digital world.