Vivarium: Societal expectations

Vivarium is a 2019 science-fiction thriller film that explores the themes of conformity, identity, and the pressures of parenthood. Directed by Lorcan Finnegan and starring Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots, the film follows a young couple, Tom and Gemma, as they become trapped in a strange, inescapable suburban nightmare.

The film opens with a surreal and ominous sequence that sets the tone for the rest of the story. Tom and Gemma are introduced as a happy and loving couple, but as they drive through the strange and sterile landscape of Yonder, their relationship begins to fray. They visit a real estate agent who shows them a house in a development that all looks the same, but as they attempt to leave, they find themselves stuck in the maze-like neighborhood.

As the days go by, Tom and Gemma are left to fend for themselves. They are given a child to raise by an unseen force, and are watched over by a mysterious figure named Martin, who seems to be in charge of their captivity. They are told that they will be released once they raise the child to maturity, but as time passes, it becomes clear that their situation is far more sinister than they originally thought.

One of the strengths of Vivarium is its exploration of themes related to conformity and suburban life. The film critiques the pressures of consumer culture and the expectations placed on individuals to conform to societal norms. The sterile and repetitive nature of the Yonder neighborhood serves as a metaphor for the soulless and empty nature of modern life. This theme is reinforced by the use of bright and sterile colors in the film's visuals.

Another theme explored in Vivarium is identity. The film questions the nature of identity and the roles that individuals are expected to play in society. Tom and Gemma are forced to take on the roles of parents, despite not having chosen to have a child or even knowing anything about it. This raises important questions about the nature of identity and the roles that individuals are expected to play in society.

The film's use of sound and music is particularly effective. The score, composed by Kristian Eidnes Andersen, adds to the unsettling mood of the film. The use of sound effects, particularly the sounds made by the child, is also effective in creating a sense of unease and tension.

Eisenberg and Poots both give strong performances in Vivarium. Their characters' mounting tension and frustration as they try to escape their confinement is palpable. The child they are given to raise is a disturbing and unsettling presence, with the film's use of practical effects adding to the unnerving atmosphere.

The ending of Vivarium is both shocking and thought-provoking. It is a challenging and intellectually stimulating film that will leave a lasting impression on those who see it. The film's strong performances, effective use of visuals and sound, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the genre.

However, some viewers may find the film's slow pace and repetitive nature off-putting. The film is deliberately paced and takes its time to build tension and atmosphere. This may not be to everyone's taste, particularly those who are looking for a more action-packed or fast-paced thriller.

In conclusion, Vivarium is a unique and unsettling film that is sure to appeal to fans of science-fiction and horror. It is a movie that asks important questions about the nature of identity and the pressures of conformity, while also delivering a tense and suspenseful story. The film's strong performances, effective use of visuals and sound, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the genre. Despite its slow pace, Vivarium is a challenging and intellectually stimulating film that will leave a lasting impression on those who see it.