ARQ
Directed by Tony Elliott
- science fiction
- thriller
The story
Two old friends living in a dystopic future become trapped in a mysterious time loop — one that may have something to do with an ongoing battle between an omnipotent corporation and a ragtag band of rebels.
What it’s like
Dim, cramped rooms under flickering practical light, with grime on every surface and a palette of rust, dust-brown and cold blue-grey, give this film a claustrophobic, worn-down feel. Most of it unfolds in tight interiors where the camera stays close to the characters, and the pulse of an electronic score under near-silence keeps the tension running. It suits a late night alone with the lights off, or anyone who likes sci-fi that is more paranoid than spectacular. Two old friends slowly lose their grip on what is real as they repeat the same stretch of time, with the mood shifting from wary to frantic. Pacing is lean and suspenseful, with the emotional register built on distrust and fear rather than warmth. Violence is sudden and brief, including gunfire and some blood, but there is no gore for its own sake and little sexual content. It is for viewers who enjoy puzzle-box thrillers, bleak futures, and a steady, unsettling build.
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