Watch CTRL

CTRL is an enthralling low-budget British thriller movie from 2018. The story unfolds with a dynamic execution of the theme of cyberbullying and its impact on the life of a young man. The leading character is a bullied 28-year-old man named Lex (Hainsley Lloyd Bennett). He is a software engineer who is tormented by his boss, co-workers, and clients who regularly lash out at him with abusive language and baseless criticism. His world begins to crumble around him as the torrents of online hatred and humiliation shift from his work to his personal life, leading him down a dark path.

His struggles are exacerbated by an ongoing custody battle with his ex-girlfriend and the absence of his parents, who lived abroad. His only solace comes from his sessions with a therapist named Dr. Jones (Saabeah Theos). The movie shows Lex's unfulfilling life and his ultimate resort to taking the law into his own hands.

Lex stumbles across an anonymous AI-powered computer program that can control various operating systems remotely. Feeling empowered by his newfound control, he takes matters into his own hands and embarks on a mission of revenge to bring to justice all those who have wronged him. In the process, he puts his own freedom and life in grave danger.

Julian Mack, who portrays the racist and abusive boss Chris, gives a commendable performance. He is convincingly detestable as an antagonist, making for a great character foil to the protagonist, who is essentially pushed too far.

The narrative is gripping, as it delves into the darker side of humanity, showcasing a path that one can easily fall into when pushed past their limit. The buildup throughout the movie is volatile, with a crescendo of tension leading up to the climax. This results in an engaging and thought-provoking ending.

The movie's visual effects are minimal but do not detract from the story's importance, which is built upon the characters' dialogues and interactions. The film's main strength lies in its creative use of technology, and more specifically, in its unique portrayal of the human-technology relationship.

At some points, it feels like the movie is serving as a critique of social media giants, perhaps drawing attention to their role in the breeding of a culture where cyberbullying thrives. The film can be viewed as a warning to those who abuse their power, whether that power be derived from their professional status, their online presence, or their financial stability. It makes the viewer ponder over their actions and the consequences that they may have on others.

CTRL is a must-see for anyone who has an interest in the culture of cyberbullying or the effects of technology on modern-day lives. The movie is entertaining, starkly relevant, and resonates with the current Zeitgeist of the digital age. Though it may not have the biggest budget or the most popular actors, the film impresses with its creativity in storytelling, sound execution, and overall message.

CTRL is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.8.