William

In the 2019 drama film, William, filmmakers delve into an exotic blend of anthropology, archaeology, ethics, and poignant personal relationships. The film, directed by Tim Disney, primarily revolves around two talented and passionate scientists and a modern Neanderthal named William, portrayed with earnest realism by Brody Wilkinson.

The scientists, Barbara (Maria Dizzia), a genetic anthropologist, and her husband John (Will Brittain), a classical archaeologist, bring to life the first human clone of a Neanderthal from a 35,000-year-old DNA strand. This ambitious experiment culminates in creating a Neanderthal child, whom they name William.

The film offers a profound investigation of what it means to be human, focusing on the eponymous character's struggles with his juxtaposed existence. As William, portrayed with competence by Brody Wilkinson, advances from infancy to college years at a rapid speed, he must grapple with an evolving understanding of his identity in relation to the world around him. Dizzia and Brittain deliver commendable performances as Barbara and John, showing their characters' drive for scientific discovery and simultaneously their concerns as parents who attempt to nurture a child beyond the sphere of normalcy. Their performances underscore the emotional undertone of the storyline, enhancing the drama's impact.

The narrative unfolds as William encounters the dilemmas of self-discovery against the backdrop of his unusual origins. Connor Wilkinson, who plays the role of a matured William with succinct vulnerability, takes the audience on a touching journey. His portrayal brings to life the nuanced depiction of his character's isolation stemming from his genetic distinctiveness and his striving for individual and social acceptance.

Beth Grant, as Dr. Lynn, serves as a mirror reflecting societal prejudices and fears towards anything outside of the norm. She is a steadfast detractor to William's existence and serves to represent the judgement and stigma that exists in the face of difference. She sternly poses challenging questions about the ethical implications of messing with nature and echoes concerns that could arise from the tampering of human evolutionary history.

The film offers breath-taking visuals, with scenes set against the backdrop of an archaeology dig on one hand and a state-of-the-art scientific laboratory on the other. The narrative seamlessly juxtaposes the past and the present, reflecting the unique condition of its central character caught between epochs.

Screenwriters J.T. Allen and Tim Disney skillfully weave a story that combines elements of science fiction, drama, and philosophy. More than being a genre film, however, William emerges as a thought-provoking tale of identity, acceptance, and what it means to be 'human.' The film examines societal norms, parental love, and the scientific boundaries we are willing to push in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

While the film's premise is science-fiction, the execution grounds the storyline into a compelling human drama. The filmmakers delicacy illustrate the journey of a young man struggling to find his place in the world while carrying the weight of an entire extinct species. It explores the journey of self-discovery in relation to themes of scientific ethics, social alienation, and acceptance with an original, authentic lens, making it a remarkable addition to the genre.

Apart from its engaging plot, the way William chooses to explore its themes makes it stand out. It consciously deviates from the traditional dramatic tropes and instead adopts a more reflective approach. The nuanced performance of the cast complements its contemplative storytelling, making its narrative even more compelling.

The cinematography is also noteworthy - capturing the essence of the storyline and adding layers to the narrative. The film creatively uses visuals and locations, setting the tone and enhancing the overall functionality of the storytelling.

In essence, William presents an intimate portrayal of a young Neanderthal man's journey to understand his identity while navigating the complexities of society and human relationships. Complete with an engaging plot, exceptional performances, thought-provoking thematic exploration, and commendable cinematography, the film offers an intriguing cinematic experience for viewers.