Incontrol

Incontrol is a Canadian science-fiction drama released in 2017, directed by Kurtis David Harder. The film features a young and talented ensemble cast including Sarah Troyer, Anja Savcic, and Valerie Planche, each delivering compelling performances that elevate the narrative to mind-bending dimensions.

The movie tilts toward a fresh take on sci-fi and thriller genres, exploring themes of identity, consciousness, and the moral implications of possessing immense power over others' lives. It presents a story that is not only thrilling but also holds an ethical mirror to humanity and self-identity, questioning the boundaries between one's mind, body, and the self.

Incontrol kicks off by introducing us to a group of friends at university. Among them is the central character, a young woman played brilliantly by Sarah Troyer. Other notable characters include those portrayed by Anja Savcic and Valerie Planche who significantly contribute to the plot.

The tranquil campus life of these students takes a wild turn when they stumble upon a mysterious device that is capable of an extraordinary feat - it allows users to temporarily seize control over another person's body and consciousness. They can speak through the others' mouths, see through their eyes, and control their every action.

The students initially find it a fun and exciting diversion from their mundane routines. For a while, they bask in the unparalleled power and ability to live vicariously through others, indulging in experiences and sensations beyond their usual experiences without leaving their own bodies. The film follows their journey and offers a glimpse into the complexities that intertwine with this newfound power.

As expected, things start shifting when the group begins to understand the vast extent of their newfound power, and with great power, as they say, comes great responsibility. The allure of the device and the thrill of the body-hopping experience, begin to cast a shadow on their relationships, their ethics, and even their sense of self. The device becomes an essential prop, almost a character on its own, that triggers a series of events with spiraling consequences.

Incontrol presents an intriguing dichotomy — the notion of being in absolute control yet being completely out of control. As the characters in the film delve further into the use of the technology, they also lose touch with their sense of self, themselves teetering on the brink of a dangerous precipice.

The movie builds on the tension as characters start exploiting the device for personal gain, raising key ethical questions on invasion of privacy, consent, and violation of one's integrity. The conflict in the narrative begins to intensify as characters start to unravel, fall into dilemmas, and question their actions.

The narrative’s ambiguous end only amplifies this sense of unease and suspicion. The film's climax indeed leaves a significant impact and provides room for interpretations and speculations from the audience. It conjures up deeper questions about identity, autonomy, morality and the inherent limitations of human control.

Director Kurtis David Harder has done an exceptional job of keeping the audiences on their toes, unraveling the suspense bit by bit, and leading them through the characters' ethical turmoil. The film unfolds its narrative through a rich cinematic language that often blurs linearity and keeps oscillating between the realms of thrill and fantasy, morality and immorality, control and chaos.

Sarah Troyer delivers a standout performance as the protagonist, portraying a range of emotions as she grapples with the implications of her actions. Both Anja Savcic and Valerie Planche give solid performances, adding depth to their characters and authentically portraying the range of emotions their characters experience.

Incontrol is a unique blend of science fiction and psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The film is visually stunning, layered with rich cinematography and a chilling background score that work together to create an ominous and otherworldly atmosphere. Overall, Incontrol is a thoroughly engaging watch that leaves the viewers contemplating long after the credits roll.