Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet is a 2006 futuristic action thriller directed by Kurt Wimmer and stars Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in the Resident Evil franchise, as the main protagonist Violet. Other notable cast members include Cameron Bright and Nick Chinlund. The film is known for its stylized, fast-paced action sequences, otherworldly visuals, and the strong central performance from Jovovich.

Set in the late 21st century, Ultraviolet presents a dystopian future world where a subculture of humans, known as Hemophages, has emerged. These individuals have been genetically modified, resulting in enhanced speed, incredible stamina and acute intelligence. As they are perceived to be a threatening infectious sub-species, the Government relentlessly aims to annihilate them.

The movie introduces the audience to Violet (Milla Jovovich), a rogue hemophage warrior and one-woman army who has numerous reasons to loathe her government adversaries. She herself is a victim of their outrageous acts, having been transformed into a hemophage during a horrific incident that dramatically affected her life. Although she was human once, now she’s a mortal and lethal vector with the looks of a fashion model.

When Violet is entrusted with a mission to transport a mysterious case that carries a weapon designed to exterminate the hemophages from existence, she’s caught in a complex conflict. The case, however, turns out to hold something far more precious and potentially revolutionary. Cameron Bright plays a critical role as Six, a mysterious boy who seems tied to the fate of the Hemophages. His youth belies his significance to both the government and the rebellious hemophages, and his pivotal role ratchets up the intensity of Violet’s mission.

Nick Chinlund gives an impressive performance as the film's antagonist, Daxus, the head of the totalitarian government, who exhibits a relentless determination to destroy the Hemophages at any cost. His brutal and unforgiving character adds additional layers to the misunderstood perceptions surrounding the Hemophages.

As the narrative progresses, Violet’s stoic facade begins to crumble as she forms an unlikely emotional connection with the precious cargo. And this once cold-hearted warrior finds her commitment to her cause challenged by the bonds of love and the drive to protect what she’s come to care about.

Ultraviolet is known as much for its stunning visuals as it is for its narrative. The use of vibrant colors and innovative technology to paint the world of the future is significant. From swordfights that resemble dance more than war, to breathtaking jumps and acrobatics mid-gunfight, Ultraviolet's fight choreography breaks new ground. Despite the darkness of the subject matter, the film's backdrop is surprisingly lush, full of vivid colors and high-tech scenery that's miles from today’s world but rooted in a sense of familiarity.

From beginning to end, Ultraviolet moves at an unremitting pace. The plot's twisting narrative is full of suspense and action, throwing Violet into progressively dangerous situations that test her physical and emotional strength. The science fiction elements blend seamlessly with the action-thriller elements, creating a singular world where every turn holds a surprise.

Jovovich is hard to overlook as the lead character. Her reputation from the Resident Evil franchise is excellently upheld in her performance as Violet; beyond the physical demands of her action-star role, she imbues the character with a depth that grounds the film and adds emotional stakes to its high-action framework.

Overall, Ultraviolet strikes an appealing balance between action-packed thrills and a sci-fi narrative, underpinned by vivid aesthetics and a powerful central performance. Its exploration of themes such as fear of the unknown, the abuse of governmental power, the value of love, and the human spirit's resilience make it more than just another dystopian action thriller.