Hey there!

This week's film is the 2002 sci-fi action movie, Equilibrium, starring Christian Bale, Taye Diggs, and Emily Watson.

I was turned onto this film years ago, which was also years after this movie came out. It is a hidden gem to be sure, a movie that had the unfortunate circumstance to live in the shadow of the more popular Matrix films of the early 2000s. The premise of the movie is that Christian Bale is a 'cleric' named John Prestion in the dystopic, futuristic, fascist society where emotions are outlawed. Bale must enforce these laws with brutal efficiency. He eventually becomes sympathetic to the resistance cause trying to overthrow the regime and starts to work both sides. Bale does well here playing someone who allows his emotions to come through and then becomes sort of addicted to feeling after not feeling anything for his entire life, questioning everything he has ever known. All the other actors in the film are people you've seen in other things before and do a fine job supporting Bale's protagonist in his journey. Sean Bean has a small role in the beginning of the film which is a fun sight now after his successful stint on Game of Thrones.

The sci-fi elements are pretty light and the action is solid. The drama of it all helps anchor the movie and prevent it from going into any hokey territory. It takes itself seriously and rightfully so. The tragedy of a whole society no longer feeling, no longer caring for one another, and most of all not being able to appreciate art or music, is given its due here. The message that feelings are important is a simple but important one. If we lose our humanity in the quest for peace, is it really worth it?

Overall, the plot is straightforward and simple enough, and the whole thing is a fun ride with some good twists and turns. So if you're looking for a good popcorn movie to watch, Equilibrium is definitely for you.

Check it out streaming now on Netflix and be sure to check out all my other movie reviews for more great stuff to watch.

Have an awesome day!