Scanners II: The New Order

Scanners II: The New Order is a 1991 science fiction horror film, directed by Christian Duguay and featuring David Hewlett, Deborah Raffin, and Yvan Ponton in lead roles. A sequel to David Cronenberg's 1981 classic "Scanners", this film continues to explore the fascinating universe of people with telepathic abilities, known as "scanners", but brings in new characters and plot lines, making it an engaging watch for both new viewers and fans of the original.

In Scanners II: The New Order, the protagonist, David Kellum (played by David Hewlett), is a young, easygoing fellow making a life as a veterinary student, not knowing that he's about to be pulled into a world far beyond ordinary comprehension. Kellum is a scanner, a person possessing extraordinary telepathic abilities, but he has lived most of his life unaware of his extraordinary gifts. The powers that he only uses occasionally - in situations of extreme stress without fully understanding the process - all of a sudden become the center of his universe.

Moving forth, the plot twists when the commander of a local police force, Commander John Forrester (Yvan Ponton), hatches a dangerous scheme. Seeing the power of scanners as a tool to expedite law enforcement, Forrester devises a way to control them - a potent narcotic that channels their mental capacity for his manipulative purposes. Forrester attempts to create a new order, with scanners serving as his weapon, to take control of the city's criminal scene.

David Kellum soon gets caught in this plot when Forrester discovers his powers. Kellum, initially enthralled by the idea of using his capabilities to serve justice, gradually starts understanding the sinister implications of Forrester's scheme. After several troubling events, David begins to comprehend the darker side of his abilities and those who wish to manipulate them.

Deborah Raffin plays the character of a scientist, Dr. Alice Leonardo, who becomes a critical part of David's life. She fully empathizes with his situation and helps him navigate his way around. Raffin delivers a powerful performance as a person torn between her professional commitments and her increasing concerns for the scanners.

Scanners II: The New Order, in essence, takes a deep dive into the psychological and sociological aspects of these extraordinary beings, exploring the effects of power, control, and manipulation. The film does an excellent job of handling a multitude of themes nested within its overarching narrative: responsibility, ethics, the misuse of power, and the struggle for self-discovery.

Despite its genre classification, Scanners II is more than just a horror film; it is a moralistic tale that incorporates elements of social drama and sci-fi action. Fans of the genre will appreciate the unique blend of intellectual intrigue and thrilling suspense. The film maintains a sturdy vision of its imaginary world, with impressive special effects given the era.

David Hewlett's performance as David Kellum is noteworthy, capturing his character's innocence and transforming fear into heroism with time. Yvan Ponton portrays the power-hungry Commander Forrester with a chilling presence, while Deborah Raffin brings depth and nuance to her character.

Director Christian Duguay's treatment of this film is riveting. He retains the science fiction essence of Cronenberg's original while adding his unique twists and turns that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. The film is skilled in maintaining its tension, from the opening sequence to its climax, with well-crafted storyline and unpredictability.

In conclusion, Scanners II: The New Order is a thought-provoking horror-thriller that blends elements of science fiction, social commentary, and psychological drama. Its layered narrative, engaging performances, and often shocking visual effects make it a stand-out entry in early 90s genre cinema. For those who appreciate smart, poignant horror, it's a must-see. While it is a sequel, the film is quite distinct and stands on its own, providing an exciting and intriguing viewing experience.