Little Joe

Little Joe is a thought-provoking and unsettling psychological science-fiction drama that was released in 2019, directed by Austrian filmmaker Jessica Hausner. The film boasts an impressive cast lead by Emily Beecham, Ben Whishaw, and Kerry Fox. The storyline of Little Joe is deeply rooted in the genre of speculative fiction, effortlessly bridging elements of suspense, drama, mystery, and horror. While its deliberate pace, sterilized aesthetics, and unsettling soundtrack might not appeal to everyone, it is undeniably an engaging cinematic experience that challenges distinct genre conventions and offer plenty to ponder upon.

In the heart of Little Joe lies the character of Alice Woodard, a dedicated plant breeder and single mother essayed by Emily Beecham. Beecham is magnetic in her depiction, for which she won the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. Alice works for a company engaging in developing new plant species. She creates a special crimson flower named 'Little Joe', named affectionately after her son, which not only possesses a mesmerising beauty but also has a unique biological characteristic - it makes its owner happy.

But there is one condition – the plant must be kept at an ideal temperature, properly watered, and must not be consumed. As Alice breaks the lab rules and takes one home for her son, Joe, a series of strange incidents begins unfolding, and strange effects start becoming noticeable on those around her including her son. The film explores the chilling implications of these odd incidences, wrapped brilliantly within the themes of bioethics, motherhood, mental health, and corporate manipulation.

Adding a distinct charm to the film, Ben Whishaw portrays Chris, Alice's colleague who becomes increasingly worried about the plant's possible effects. He portrays a character that brings a subtle sense of paranoia and caution to the story, building tension in the already eerie setting. Kerry Fox, on the other hand, plays Bella, another scientist who has her own unsettling experiences with the plant. Her performance adds a layer of depth to the narrative, pointing to the dangers of playing God with nature.

Although the plot unfolds with a sense of haunting ambiguity, it only heightens the allure of the film. The bright, sterile interiors of the lab contrast sharply with the ominous nature of the events and the plant itself — a beautiful yet possibly malevolent creation. Furthermore, the film's unique soundtrack composed by Japanese composer Teiji Ito and Markus Binder accommodates an added sense of anxiety and suspense, establishing an unusual and gripping atmosphere.

Little Joe stands out due to its uncanny ability to raise questions about bioengineering and psychological manipulation. It uses its science fiction platform not just to entertain but as a commentary on contemporary societal concerns, particularly targeting genetic engineering and corporate industrialisation.

The performances, cinematography, the intricate plot, and the eerie ambient sound design work together to create a deeply atmospheric and hypnotic cinematic experience. The sterile environments, futuristic technologies, and cold colour palette serve to construct a carefully controlled aesthetic that aligns with the methodical narrative.

The stylistic choices in Little Joe serve to set the stage for its themes of anxiety, skepticism, and the balance of nature. Its soundtrack's eerie qualities, combined with the film's controlled use of colour and space, echo the narrative's central concerns around the mutations caused by human trespassing in the biological domain. It's an intruding idea that leaves the audience contemplating long after the credits roll.

The film successfully intertwines a compelling mix of science fiction with a psychological thriller, framed through the lens of an Orwellian nightmare. The tension is measured, the narrative elegantly built and the performances masterfully played in Jessica Hausner's Little Joe. Although not the conventional sci-fi horror, the movie taps into a more existential form of horror presenting an unnerving look into human nature’s desire to control and manipulate.

Little Joe presents an unusual piece of cinema which combines the seemingly contradictory elements of science fiction and horror in a thoughtful and original way. It embodies a unique cinematic universe marked by a slow-burning exploration of ethical and moral boundaries. For those looking for a film that offers both a visual treat and cerebral stimulation, Little Joe makes for a compelling watch.