Teknolust

Teknolust is a unique, surreal, and thought-provoking science fiction film released in 2002, directed and written by Lynn Hershman-Leeson. Tilda Swinton, known for her remarkable performances in a range of diverse roles, leads the cast. She shares the screen with equally talented actors like Jeremy Davies and James Urbaniak. The film, not typically conforming to mainstream cinema, combines elements of comedy, drama, romance and sci-fi, making it stand out in a genre dominated by massive special effects and fast-paced action.

The protagonist, Dr. Rosetta Stone, portrayed by Swinton, is a shy, introverted, and brilliant bio-geneticist. She's developed a new strain of artificial life form, that are self-replicating automatons, her so-called, "Self Replicating Automatons" (SRAs). Swinton, in an impressive feat of acting, also portrays the three SRAs made by Dr. Stone –ruby, Marine, and Olive. These SRAs are identical, red-haired women who live in a highly stylized, digital universe that seems to exist within Rosetta’s computer or perhaps a parallel virtual reality. The SRAs, who communicate with Stone through her computer, are a fascinating blend of technology and life, raising questions about the continually blurring lines between the two.

However, the SRAs have a biological shortfall: they need regular infusions of male Y-chromosome to survive. Tinged with comedic elements, they learn seduction techniques and venture into the real world to discreetly gather what they need from unsuspecting men, which leads to comical situations. As they sneak out into the real world, the film pokes fun at their naivety and innocence, generating chuckles and light-hearted moments amidst the profound themes addressed.

Their escapades cause an unexpected aftereffect. The men visited by the SRAs start showing symptoms similar to the sexually transmitted diseases' effect without any physical contact, leaving the medical and legal authorities baffled. This starts a pseudo epidemic, in the city of San Francisco, known as the 'spermicidal virus', creating a whirlpool of a series of confusion, investigation and absurd rumors that rope in Dr. Stone's life in unforeseen ways.

Meanwhile, we start seeing glimpses of Dr. Stone’s quiet desperation for human contact and relationships. She develops an attraction towards one of the men, a shy, and reclusive website designer named Sandy, played by Jeremy Davies. As she navigates the terrains of a potential romantic relationship, it contrasts with her digital creations' relations with humans. At the same time, her identity and her creations are under threat of being outed and misunderstood by the public and authorities.

Subtly, the narrative then starts weaving together the strands of this story into a gentle pondering on the nature of life, consciousness, and identity. The film uses this interesting premise to explore the intricate relationship between technology and humanity. It provokes questions about what it means to be human, intricacies of love and attraction, and vitality of physical interactions. The existential angst it deals with under the guise of a pseudo-technological thriller is depicted with an artist’s touch.

Swinton’s performances, the standout being her role as the introverted genetic engineer, and the contrasting naive SRAs, convincingly bring the uncanny valley scenario to life. Jeremy Davies, as the timid romantic interest oblivious to the truth, excellently portrays his role with the right tempo. The film also includes a small supporting role by the up-and-coming actor Joshua Cox.

Teknolust exhibits a stylishly retro aesthetic sprinkled with bright primary colours and stark compositions. The film's look reflects a world saturated with technology, enhancing the surreal and offbeat vibe. The director successfully paints a picture with neon-hued visuals that evoke thought and entertain in equal parts.

Its idiosyncratic narrative style, combined with a fantastic performance by Swinton, makes Teknolust an absorbing leitmotif of technology's impact on modern lives. It's an unusual film, one that challenges the viewer to ponder the philosophical questions it raises long after the credits roll.

In sum, Teknolust is a work of art that combines a solid yet unconventional narrative with striking performances and visually alluring frames. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in a different kind of sci-fi movie, one that uses its premise not just for thrilling sequences but as a commentary on human nature and technology's ever-growing influence.