Imitation Girl

Imitation Girl is a compelling 2017 indie sci-fi drama that brilliantly explores the concept of identity, personality and introspection through a unique perspective. The film was directed by renowned indie filmmaker Natasha Kermani and stars Lauren Ashley Carter, with Neimah Djourabchi and Adam David Thompson in powerful supporting roles.

The protagonist of the story, Julianna Fox (Lauren Ashley Carter), is an adult film star, a woman who embraces her image and the industry she works in, despite knowing that at times it paints her into a stereotype. She navigates the enigmatic labyrinth of her life and challenges, torn between the dreams of her youth and the harsh realities of her adult life. Searching for her real self beneath the façade of Julianna Fox, she dwells deeper into questions of her own identity. This creates the essential realistic premise from which springs the fantastical element of the story.

Without giving any spoilers, the movie intersects Julianna's narrative with the story of an extraterrestrial entity that takes Julianna's identical physical form upon its arrival on earth. This doppelgänger, naive and alien to the human world, starts to explore the strangeness of human experience, starting from the peculiarities of human behavior to the abundance and richness of human emotions. Through the eyes of this imitation, the earth and its inhabitants are seen in a fresh, unadulterated perspective, devoid of human presumptions and prejudices.

The narrative of Imitation Girl is cleverly woven around the contrast and comparison between Julianna and her imitation. On one hand, Julianna battles her inner demons and faces the stark realities of her life. On the other hand, her imitation indulges in the discovery of human life, experiencing emotions, connecting with people and traversing the intricacies of relationships in its attempt to blend in. This parallel comparison triggers thought-provoking questions about individual identity, self-reflection and the pursuit of happiness.

Lauren Ashley Carter delivers exceptional performances in her dual role, deftly handling the complexities of both characters - the hardened Julianna and the innocent extraterrestrial being. Her subtle emotional shifts and body language add more depth to these contrasted characters. Meanwhile, supporting actors Neimah Djourabchi and Adam David Thompson add layers to the storyline, both aiding and complicating the imitation’s understanding of human behavior.

Imitation Girl is not just about alien invasion or the hardships of being a porn actress - it veers away from these tropes and presents the profound existential journey of two identical beings living contrasting lives. It aligns the viewers with the curious world view of the imitation, as well as compellingly displays Julianna’s struggle with self-worth and identity.

Kermani's direction shines as she combines reality and science fiction to meticulously create a tale that strikes the right balance of mystery, humour, and poignant drama. The mesmerizing cinematography paints a captivating backdrop to the storyline, whereas the innovative use of metaphors sprinkled throughout the film, adds profound meaning to the identities and experiences of Julianna and her imitation.

The scoring of the movie, alternating between haunting, soulful melodies, upbeat rhythms, and eerie silence, mirror the untrammelled emotions and the weighted silences of the characters in a surge of sonorous beauty. The enchanting blend of silence, sound, and spoken language, lends an ethereal quality that further envelops the film in a veil of otherworldly allure.

Imitation Girl is a film where you come for the sci-fi intrigue but stay for the emotional storytelling and the insightful examination of human existence. It is an empathetic look into the soul-searching journey of self-discovery and the fragility and strength of human emotions. It is a film that leads to introspection about the essence of being human and the beautiful complexity of human life.

Without resorting to gory violence or flashy special effects, Imitation Girl manages to keep viewers engaged with its evocative narrative and the depth of its central characters. It presents a riveting exploration of identity and consciousness through the lens of an unusual mirror - the imitation of a girl - making it a hallmark in contemporary science fiction.