This is barely sci-fi because much of the story warns against has already happened in China, with the social credit system, widespread facial feature recognition, digital currency, and total control of information and what's taught in schools. It's to the point now, where even if the subjects (not citizens, let's face it) wanted to overthrow the ruling class, they couldn't.
And yet, in some circles, the Chinese system seems to be seen as an enviable pattern to emulate. After all, wouldn't an efficient and crime-free society be wonderful? Surely, a free society would never vote in a permanent totalitarian dictatorship, and 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' is just an old phrase that could never apply to modern politicians.
The story is convoluted. As so often happens in this annoying sort of mystery, the viewer is kept in the dark until the end as to who the various factions are, what they are trying to do and why. The main characters are also bogged down in an unbelievable love triangle that adds nothing to the story.
The ending is chilling and pretty good. The main protagonist discovers that everything he has discovered about the state's use of secret trackers and a deadly virus that targets ethnic groups is useless because the total surveillance state, which he foolishly helped bring into power, has already won. His ex-girlfriend tells him that he should be happy, that he is free to do what he wants now, except for certain restrictions on freedom of speech and movement. As a member of the new ruling class, she sees nothing wrong with this arrangement.
And yet, in some circles, the Chinese system seems to be seen as an enviable pattern to emulate. After all, wouldn't an efficient and crime-free society be wonderful? Surely, a free society would never vote in a permanent totalitarian dictatorship, and 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' is just an old phrase that could never apply to modern politicians.
The story is convoluted. As so often happens in this annoying sort of mystery, the viewer is kept in the dark until the end as to who the various factions are, what they are trying to do and why. The main characters are also bogged down in an unbelievable love triangle that adds nothing to the story.
The ending is chilling and pretty good. The main protagonist discovers that everything he has discovered about the state's use of secret trackers and a deadly virus that targets ethnic groups is useless because the total surveillance state, which he foolishly helped bring into power, has already won. His ex-girlfriend tells him that he should be happy, that he is free to do what he wants now, except for certain restrictions on freedom of speech and movement. As a member of the new ruling class, she sees nothing wrong with this arrangement.