First of all, let me say how much I have enjoyed both main characters, as well as the cinematography and dialogues.
Rachel and Alvy, despite their flaws, were very believable and sweet people, so their journey quickly becomes relatable, even if we do not have parenting aspirations, nor do we live in a society that is as technologically advanced.
Speaking of technology, I love that it was represented in a way that feels like a slightly upgraded (or perhaps downgraded?) version of our own reality, instead of going over the top. Overtly futuristic aesthetics, such as in Blade Runner, wouldn't have worked in this case, so I'm happy they decided to keep it familiar. Kinda reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode in its non-pretentious approach.
However, unlike (most episodes of) Black Mirror, I think it lacked a further exploration of the topic, specifically the long-term consequences of growing your baby in artificial and supposedly advanced conditions.
We are told that these children have the inability to dream and that dreams, in general, are now recognized as an unnecessary addition to the human psyche. While it very well may be true, the question of whether we should rid our children of this experience in advance feels a bit more relevant than this movie gives it space.
It also begs another question: What else these kids may be missing out on? Story-wise, what's the point of introducing this subplot, as it ultimately does not affect the characters?
The same goes for social commentary. Some women agree with the new method of childbirth, others protest it, but we never find out what they have against it.
Furthermore, we see that the main company is very questionable in terms of the education they provide for children, and they even tried to remotely starve Rachel and Alvy's baby when they stole the pod. But, once the baby is born, it seems like our main characters are entirely at peace and have gotten over everything so quickly that they even send the pod back to the company.
Again, as we relate to our characters' journey, I was pleased that they got their happy ending, but the resolution of the main conflicts never seems to occur, nor are there deeper consequences of anything that happens.
Rachel and Alvy, despite their flaws, were very believable and sweet people, so their journey quickly becomes relatable, even if we do not have parenting aspirations, nor do we live in a society that is as technologically advanced.
Speaking of technology, I love that it was represented in a way that feels like a slightly upgraded (or perhaps downgraded?) version of our own reality, instead of going over the top. Overtly futuristic aesthetics, such as in Blade Runner, wouldn't have worked in this case, so I'm happy they decided to keep it familiar. Kinda reminiscent of a Black Mirror episode in its non-pretentious approach.
However, unlike (most episodes of) Black Mirror, I think it lacked a further exploration of the topic, specifically the long-term consequences of growing your baby in artificial and supposedly advanced conditions.
We are told that these children have the inability to dream and that dreams, in general, are now recognized as an unnecessary addition to the human psyche. While it very well may be true, the question of whether we should rid our children of this experience in advance feels a bit more relevant than this movie gives it space.
It also begs another question: What else these kids may be missing out on? Story-wise, what's the point of introducing this subplot, as it ultimately does not affect the characters?
The same goes for social commentary. Some women agree with the new method of childbirth, others protest it, but we never find out what they have against it.
Furthermore, we see that the main company is very questionable in terms of the education they provide for children, and they even tried to remotely starve Rachel and Alvy's baby when they stole the pod. But, once the baby is born, it seems like our main characters are entirely at peace and have gotten over everything so quickly that they even send the pod back to the company.
Again, as we relate to our characters' journey, I was pleased that they got their happy ending, but the resolution of the main conflicts never seems to occur, nor are there deeper consequences of anything that happens.