★★★½
It’s 2041 and the gaps in social and economic inequality have left the world on the brink. A breakthrough in science has given humanity the ability to bring victims of a violent crime back to life by backing up their brain every 2 days. This allows an ambitious, young detective the opportunity to solve a case of a murdered couple when the restoration team is able to bring one of them back.
Set in a futuristic Central Europe in 2041, Director Robert Hloz presents a society where individuals can back up their memories and consciousness every 48 hours, allowing for potential revival in the event of an unnatural death. This innovative twist on mortality serves as the film’s central ethical dilemma, as it delves into the consequences of advanced technology on humanity, blurring the lines between life and death. We’ve seen things akin to this ‘computer game save points but in real life’ concept before – not least in the Futurama episode “Meanwhile” and in Rick and Morty’s “The Vat of Acid Episode“. But it’s nice to see it in a decently budgeted action thriller.
Hloz constructs a captivating world of looming, angular architecture, giving a tech-noir atmosphere in which the city’s brutalist structures evoke an alienating and foreboding ambiance, reflecting the stark contrast between the technological advancements and the underlying moral quandaries. Innovative technological elements into the narrative. Holographic figures replace traditional crime scene photography, granting investigators a more comprehensive understanding of the events. The film’s visual language expertly complements the intricacies of the plot, enhancing the sense of urgency and unease as the story unfolds.
The heart of “Restore Point” lies in the concept of the titular technology. The ability to “save your place” in life offers a tantalising prospect for humanity to cheat death. However, this apparent utopian idea is met with moral ambiguity and skepticism from a rebel group called the “River of Life,” who see it as a manipulation of nature and a means of playing god. Their acts of terrorism challenge the very fabric of this new reality, forcing society to grapple with the philosophical implications of tampering with life and mortality.
Detective Em Trochinowska, portrayed with fierce determination by Andrea Mohylova, becomes deeply entangled in a double murder investigation involving the creator of the restore technology, David Kurlstat (Matěj Hádek), and his wife. The enigmatic terrorists add further complexity to the plot, challenging Em’s perceptions of right and wrong. As Em unravels layers of conspiracy and manipulation, the film cleverly draws parallels to classic dystopian sci-fi films like “Blade Runner” and “Minority Report,” which similarly explored the potential dark sides of technological advancement, from a paranoid perspective.
The chemistry between the cast members is undeniable, with Andrea Mohylova delivering a standout performance as Detective Em Trochinowska. Her portrayal exudes a complex mix of determination, vulnerability, and resilience, making her character a relatable and compelling guide through this near-future world. The ensemble cast effectively brings depth and nuance to their roles, adding to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
The film’s score, while generally effective in heightening tension and maintaining a sense of urgency, occasionally leans into conventional thriller territory. However, the recurring motif of Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” adds a poetic and melancholic undertone, suggesting the fragility of life and the longing for a sense of permanence.
“Restore Point” offers a thrilling and cerebral sci-fi journey, and its imaginative world-building, coupled with Andrea Mohylova’s compelling performance, brings the cautionary allegory to life, making this genre-blending movie a must-see for sci-fi enthusiasts and fans of high-concept narratives alike. This thought-provoking exploration of advanced technology and its consequences raises questions about the limits of humanity’s control over life and death, challenging perspectives on mortality and the ever-evolving relationship between humans and technology. Recommended!
Restore Point played at Fantasia 2023
Whitlock&Pope 