Tom Hanks has been reading a lot of Dave Eggers. The Circle is the second adaptation of an Eggers novel in as many years, both starring Hanks, and it seems like a safe bet than Circle will outperform its predecessor, A Hologram for the King, in every way.
In addition to being in a more defined genre, Circle boasts a stellar cast to attract audiences, including the aforementioned Hanks, Emma Watson, John Boyega, Karen Gillan, Ellar Coltrane (that’s the kid from Boyhood), Patton Oswalt, and Bill Paxton. Writer/director James Ponsoldt also brings a steady hand to the wheel, having led The End of the Tour, The Spectacular Now, and Smashed to success.
What really bodes well for Circle, though, is its updated take on classic science fiction themes. With heavy shades of 1984 and Apple, the plot acknowledges that it’s our technology, not our government, that is likely to take over modern lives. Anyone who fears someone lurking behind their webcam or the massive size of certain tech companies will get a chill from the implications in this trailer.
What’s worse is that the film doesn’t appear to be set in some distant future. The tech you see could easily be introduced today, and the millions already accustomed to putting everything online would likely follow it to whatever horrific end Watson discovers. The Circle aims to remind audiences just how dangerous these tech habits can become.
The Circle is directed by James Ponsoldt and stars Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, and Karen Gillan. It will be released in the U.S. on April 28th, 2017. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think the scenario in The Circle could happen today? Let us know in the comments!
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