Writer/director David Cronenberg is up to very David Cronenberg things with Crimes of the Future.
What are Cronenberg things? To be fair, it’s shifted over the years, but this teases a throwback to the metaphor-laced body horror he is most associated with. Films like The Fly and Videodrome went as far into gooey, gory discomfort as anyone who flirts with mainstream acceptance has, and Crimes of the Future looks like a return to these roots.
In the film, our future world has become increasingly synthetic and people have become disconnected from their bodies. A performance artist explores this dynamic by taking part in an extreme version of an underground movement, which involves surgical changes to your body. He specializes in growing new organs, and his performance pieces are their theatrical removal. Where this movement might be headed, though, begins to make him uncomfortable, which makes him question where his art should go next.
Much of the hype for this film has been built on glimpses of shocking body transformations, its link to sexuality, and the stars in the middle of it all. Cronenberg’s closeness to the mainstream has always been helped by his use of big-name actors, and the draw here of Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart as the central trio alternately embracing and questioning this world has made Crimes of the Future one of the most anticipated films of the year.
Crimes of the Future is directed by David Cronenberg and stars Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart. It will be released in the US on June 3rd. For international release dates, click here.
Will you try to stomach this vision of the future? Let us know in the comments!
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.