Hot Spot
review by Bobby Blakey
There is just something about films that dive into post-apocalyptic worlds. The ideals lend to so much creativity when handled right it can really be a great film in any genre. The latest Hot Spot comes from The Lure and Warrior Nunn TV director Agnieszka Smoczynska stars Andrzej Konopka, Noomi Rapace, and Reika Kirishima, but does it bring a vision worth witnessing or will it fail to solve its own mystery?
Hot Spot follows a near future society ruled by sentient A.I., where a private eye investigates a murder case only to discover a rebel group capable of undermining the digital overlord. As the detective's identity slowly unravels, his world enters a state of hypnotic meltdown.
Outside of Noomi Rapace’s involvement I knew nothing about this film. I have been a fan of hers since seeing her in the original The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and the Millenium trilogy so it was my lone reason for giving this film a shot. What I witnessed was something uniquely original and layered, but also something that doesn’t always work.
The story and overall tone are engaging while not fully making sense through it all. They take some big swings with this film, and it helps it to stand out as something different. The look of the film and most notably lead reminded me of the original Mad Max with some infusion of Dune style and futuristic sentiments. It never leans too far into the future aesthetic but still makes sure that what you see is not something in our time. I always love it when a character has a striking stand out vibe and that is the case here with Konopka’s Djonny. With his bright yellow mullet, hoop earrings and tight leather outfit he oozes style and originality while also looking strange and confusing.
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As the story moves forward it keeps you interested but is all over the place and sometimes so subtle that you may or may not know what is going on. It’s not the type of film American audiences get a lot of so may not connect with those that haven’t experienced any sort of European cinema before.
I honestly don’t know if I like this movie or not, but it stuck in my head trying to decide where it lands which is what a film should do. I know it’s not one I would revisit but also appreciate getting an experience that harkens back to older films in a similar tone.
Decide for yourself and grab your copy of Hot Spot available now on Blu-ray.