The perils of science going wrong and tech wanting to go from virtual to real are highlighted in the new sci-fi psychological noir DARK CLOUD.

Troubled young woman Chloe (Alexys Gabrielle) is in rehabilitation after an accident and experts suggest a brand-new hi-tech experimental programme called Aquarius, which helps people come to terms with their plight and emotional trauma one of several remote test houses which is luxurious and has what seems to be everything that a woman like Chloe needs to get back on her feet.

At the heart of the house is AIDA (Artificially Intelligent Domestic Assistant, voiced by Emily Atack), a feminine memory with the smarts to help her get through what she needs and initially, things seem OK. Chloe is able to coordinate her me-time reasonably and continue her treatment. However, AIDA is developing age-old resistance to human and technological development and is determined to use Chloe as her own grand experiment…..

Intimate and darkly involving noir with echoes of classic Cronenberg and EX MACHINA with the computer homage to HAL-9000 in 2001, thanks in part to the excellent lead performance of Gabrielle who transcends her various emotional and psychological mindsets to capture the essence of a woman unsure of her mental state or situation.

Stylish production design, atmospheric music and good co-ordination of tech add to the intrigue of a well-structured film that will at times make you question your own mindset and your own place in the world, which is what all good yarns like this attempt to do. Jay Ness directs solidly from John J. Kaiser’s original screenplay.

Admittedly, this is a familiar scenario, very much rooted in the millennial Y2K – MATRIX appeal of films of the last two decades and its’ budget limitations make the most of their attributes, but it is no less a compelling tale if you enjoyed EX MACHINA.

The Los Angeles International Film Festival (LAIFF) runs from 16th – 21st November 2021. For information and tickets etc, please go to:

www.laiff.org

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Film and TV Journalist Follow: @Higgins99John Follow: @filmandtvnow