Selfless

The gripping science fiction thriller, Selfless, released in 2015, takes its viewers on a riveting journey that toys with the themes of resurrection, immortality, morality, and identity. The film is directed by Tarsem Singh, known for his visually striking style. The lead cast includes the charismatic Ryan Reynolds, the stunning Natalie Martinez, and the mysterious Matthew Goode.

The movie's storyline is sophisticated and thought-provoking. Ben Kingsley plays the character, Damian Hale, a wealthy real estate tycoon based in New York City who is living on borrowed time due to terminal cancer. He has lived a life of power and influence but his deteriorating health makes him yearn for a chance at immortality. Here enters Matthew Goode as Albright, a scientist of ambiguous intent who offers Damian a controversial solution – Shedding.

Shedding is an experimental procedure that transfers consciousness from the dying body into a young, healthy host body. The enticing prospect of a fresh lease on life is too attractive for Damian to resist. He thus agrees to undergo this groundbreaking and risky procedure and wakes up in a new body, now played by Ryan Reynolds.

The movie then shifts to New Orleans, introducing us to the captivating Madeline (played by Natalie Martinez), who becomes closely entwined with the narrative. Reynolds' physiologically younger Damian reincarnation is challenged to navigate through an entirely new world, filled with unfamiliar terrain and unexpected roadblocks. The initial rush of youth, vigor, and hedonistic pleasure gradually gives way to a maze of increasingly complicated scenarios.

Things get even more complex when Damian starts having flashbacks that are not his own. This unintended byproduct of the shedding procedure propels the storyline into unforeseen directions, leading Damian to seek answers about the origin of his new body and raising deep questions about identity and the nature of selfhood.

This journey of discovery, filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, forms the core of Selfless. At its heart, it is a tense, fast-paced thriller, presenting its audience with moral dilemmas, ethical quandaries and deep-seated questions about what makes us who we are. Along the way, various subsidiary themes such as loyalty, sacrifice and redemption are also touched upon.

The performances in Selfless are noteworthy. Reynolds delivers a multifaceted portrayal of Damian, who is essentially living two lives in one body. Kingsley also shines in his role as the initially arrogant and selfish tycoon who is fundamentally altered by his unnerving experience. Martinez, characteristically engaging, lends an emotional depth to the narrative with her performance.

Matthew Goode in the role of Albright is exceptionality mysterious and gives a chilling edge to the film. He brilliantly captures the character's ambiguous intent, always making the viewers question his motives and the true nature of the Shedding process. The dynamic between Goode and Reynolds anchors the film, and their intense encounters form some of its most compelling scenes.

The film is accentuated by Singh's characteristic visual style, that is alluring and impactful. It captures the atmospheric contrast between the glimmering skylines of New York City and the rustic charm of New Orleans beautifully. The cinematography is slick, and the editing is crisp, allowing the narrative to unravel at a satisfyingly brisk pace. Further supplementing the mood of the film is the intense and electrifying music score that perfectly echoes the narrative's turbulence.

In conclusion, Selfless succeeds in delivering a captivating, intellectually stimulating experience that strikes a balance between action, mystery, and philosophical introspection. The movie is a deftly crafted hybrid of a Sci-fi thriller with strong elements of existential drama. It questions mortality, morality, and the idea of a second chance at life. It will leave viewers pondering about the real cost of immortality and the true meaning of identity. So prepare to engage with a thrilling narrative propelled by an ensemble of skilled performances, artistic storytelling, and thought-provoking themes in Selfless.