Directed by Doug Liman, Chaos Walking is a 2021 American sci-fi fantasy, action-adventure film written by Patrick Ness.
It is actually an adaptation of The Knife of Never Letting Go, the first instalment in Ness’ published dystopian trilogy – Chaos Walking.
A community – Prentisstown where there are no women, on a strange planet where all male thoughts are not private. Thoughts are projected out in an amalgamation of words, sounds, and images called Noise.
Events took a series of dangerous and dramatic turns when a young defiant and stubborn young man, Todd (Tom Holland) discovers that a woman, Viola’s (Daisy Ridley) spacecraft had crash landed onto their planet. Todd was forced to make a tough decision to protect and help her escape the imminent threat. For someone who had always been unable to control his “noise”, this was going to be quite a challenge. It was made even more challenging when a dark and shocking secret is uncovered.
There’s a lot of creative freedom and license when a film is set in a make believe world or planet. The probability that it will captivate viewers is quite up there, especially when it depicts adverse situations, living conditions or lifestyle. If you don’t believe me, look up how past sci-fi action films like 1990’s - Total Recall and The Matrix Franchise, 2002’s - Minority Report and Equilibrium grossed in the box office.
It’s also somewhat of a challenge to find films or books with unique storylines and plots. That’s why I find Chaos Walking a little special. I think it was quite apt that action-adventure films director, Doug Liman once again showcased his prowess in the genre as he did in 2002’s - Bourne Identity, 2005’s - Mr & Mrs Smith, 2008’s - Jumper, 2014’s Edge of Tomorrow.
The movie’s fascinating concept contributes greatly to its strength. However, we cannot rule out Holland’s talented performance. I like Holland; the freshness and pure genius he brings to every character he plays, is so refreshing, not least of them being Spiderman.
Ridley’s charm as Viola is similar to that of the character Rey in the 2015-2019 Star Wars Sequel Trilogy. And where do I even begin to talk about David Oyelowo? His meaningful roles in many acclaimed films are a testament to his versatility and success as an actor. His ability to fuse into a character is awesome. In this movie, he was so believable as Aaron, the extremist and fanatical preacher in Prenstisstown.
Definitely great cinematography and CGI! The movie is fast building and exciting with a distinctive storyline. As I already intimated earlier, it is very captivating, and keeps you engaged. Despite the little time given to the development of the characters, there’s enough going on and to go on, that you are unknowingly seduced into forgiving this significant lack.
Of course, I have deliberately not revealed much about the film. This is because I really liked it, and recommend that you watch it. Trust me; you won't regret it. Ratings? 8.9 out of 10.
Currently available on Amazon Prime TV.
Further Information
Director
Screenplay
Played Todd
Played Viola
Played Mayor Prentiss
Played Davy Prentiss Jr (The Mayor's son and a soldier)
Played Aaron (Radical preacher in Prentisstown)
Played Ben (One of Todd’s adoptive fathers)
Played Cillian (One of Todd's adoptive fathers)
Played Hildy (The leader of Farbranch)
Played Karyssa Hewitt (Todd's deceased mother)
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