Netflix is experimenting with a trend that seems to have began in the entertainemtn world quite a while back. There is a ‘series’ running for about 6 seasons featuring several major actors and actresses. We say series in quotes because the shows are not necessarily related at all. They are independent running for about an hour each with a star studded cast and acomplex story.
This one with Daniel Kaluya is no different.
It is about a time in the future when people are housed in small rooms with virtual screens from where they access entertainment of all forms after which they participate in a life where they generate revenue through various activities such as exercise and games. This revenue is then used to purchase various online virtual tools through an interface.
The ultimate prize for each of the participants is to get access to an America’s Got Talent like show where they can become famous.
The protagonist uses his had earned money to make room for a young lady who he likes but later finds out that the judges have nefarious intentions. He springs into action and attempts to save his friend.
Everything starts off well and at some point there is excitement as one begins to hope for a redemptive moment in the film.
The man who he is confronting as well as the whole system that he questions is at the verge of collapse when the judge turns things around.
The hero is then distracted into accepting the moment of fame which then becomes enshrined into a clip he uses regularly with his followers in his new comfortable life.
This is such a telling moment revealing the curse of social media attention and the problem that may arise when we devote our energies into viral moments.
Also notable in this show is the cruelty that is meted out on those who are slightly overweight and who are tasked with the cleaning of the facilities while the higher ups exercise.
