Surge

Surge from 2020 is an electrifying British psychological drama directed by Aneil Karia and written by Karia, Rupert Jones, and Rita Kalnejais. The movie, shown in a dynamic and frenzied style, tells the story of a man beleaguered by his monotonous life and how he breaks free from his shackles in a startlingly frantic manner.

The movie is characterized by its intense narrative, immersive camerawork and the magnetic performance of its lead actor. Ben Whishaw, the Golden Globe-winning actor, stars in the film as the under pressure protagonist, Joseph. Whishaw's role is one of his most challenging yet, and he provides an unforgettable performance that drives the narrative forward.

Set and filmed in the heart of London, Surge introduces the audience to Joseph, a quiet, introverted individual who holds a mundane job in airport security. The repetitiveness of Joseph's work, the harsh fluorescent lighting of his working environment, and his unassuming, nondescript apartment paints a clear picture of his lackluster existence. His life is punctuated only by his strained relationship with his parents and a growing feeling of disconnection from society.

Navigating through everyday life without making any real connections or experiencing any genuine emotions, Joseph's stress and anxiety begin to mount, and he finds himself spiraling towards a precipice. He yearns for a change, for a surge of something—anything—that would make him feel alive.

The film takes a sudden and explosive turn when Joseph experiences a moment of abandon, leading to a 24-hour reckless spree of impulsivity and hysteria around the city of London. The audience witnesses Joseph's startling transformation as he trades his mundane existence for a wild thrill ride of uncontainable chaos. His journey is manic, unpredictable, and volatile.

Director Karia masterfully orchestrates this chaotic whirlwind using hand-held cameras and a barrage of fast-paced editing techniques that add to the incredible tension and erratic nature of the film. These elements make Surge an intensely experiential film where viewers feel almost as disoriented and breathless as the protagonist himself.

The real standout of Surge, however, is Ben Whishaw’s exceptional performance. Whishaw's portrayal of Joseph as an ordinary man spiraling toward madness is a force of nature. His powerful interpretation allows viewers to experience Joseph's profound anxiety, desperation, and eventual liberation firsthand. Through this performance, Whishaw pushes his character to the limit, blurring sanity and insanity which keeps the audience on edge.

While Surge is primarily a character-driven film, it also provides a grim commentary on the relentless pace of modern life and the mental and emotional stress it can inflict. It explores the theme of conformity, the resulting bottled-up frustration, and the explosive outcomes when this frustration is unchecked.

The movie is also bolstered by a unique soundscape. Experimental musician and composer Tujiko Noriko underlines Joseph's manic acceleration into chaos with an electrifying score. It fluctuates from a quiet hum to a buzz that mirrors the protagonist's rapidly deteriorating mental state, further intensifying the chaotic atmosphere and increasing the sense of unease.

In summary, Surge can be best described as a gripping and suspenseful journey into the depth of a man's accumulated anxiety and his unruly rebellion against the monotony of his life. It is a standout example of British cinema's potential to explore dark, psychologically complex tales using intense visuals, extraordinary performances, and unique storytelling methods. This movie, with its dynamic form and content, captures the viewers' attention and keeps it, proving to be a rare cinematic experience. As a visceral exploration of mental breakdown and liberation, Surge resonates with a sense of deep authenticity and stark realism.