Watch Equals

Equals is a science-fiction romance movie that takes place in an ultra-modernized society where emotions are eradicated to maintain peace and order. The story follows two co-workers, Silas (Nicholas Hoult) and Nia (Kristen Stewart), who develop feelings for each other despite their society deeming emotions as a disease. The movie opens with a young woman committing suicide as a result of becoming overwhelmed by her newly awakened emotions, spurring the government to tighten their control on emotional expression. Silas, a skilled illustrator, lives in a sterile world where his only social interaction is with his co-workers at a large publication company. One day, he discovers a mistake in his work and realizes that he is starting to feel again.

Silas starts to show signs of emotional awakening and begins to question his feelings. He confides in his friend, Jonas (Guy Pearce), who he suspects is also experiencing these forbidden emotions. Silas soon realizes he has feelings for Nia, an editor at the company, and the two begin to have secret meetings, all the while trying to control their emotional expressions.

Their relationship becomes increasingly difficult as they struggle to suppress their emotions in fear of being caught. They both understand the consequences of their forbidden love, but they cannot help the powerful feelings that have developed between them. Their growing love and subsequent heartbreak are depicted beautifully, with Hoult and Stewart delivering powerful performances.

As their love begins to grow, Nia’s illness becomes more apparent as she begins to show more signs of feeling than Silas. She starts to lose control, causing concern and suspicion from their colleagues and the authoritarian government that watches every move they make. The government monitors all citizens, and the slightest sign of emotion is immediately reported and punished with forced sedation.

Their society is a stark contrast to the bright, sterile world they inhabit. The film's minimalist aesthetics lend to the sterile feeling of the world they live in, making the rare moments of emotion all the more poignant. The subtle yet beautiful score by composer Owen Pallett adds depth to the film’s emotional impact.

The movie takes an approach that is not typical in romantic films, portraying the struggle of two individuals fighting to uphold a society that suppresses their natural human emotions. The movie's theme can resonate with many people, as it alludes to society's pressure to repress emotions so as not to disrupt the order of society.

The ending of Equals is thought-provoking, leaving audiences to interpret what happens next. The conclusion of the film may leave some frustrated, as it is open-ended, offering no solution to the characters' struggle to exist in a society that is not compatible with their emotions.

In conclusion, Equals is a poignant movie that delves into the human condition and the struggle to express one's emotions. It is a beautifully crafted film that delivers powerful performances by Stewart and Hoult, showcasing the emotional turmoil they experience as they navigate their forbidden love. The minimalist aesthetic and score combined with the struggle between emotion and control make this a film that will stay with viewers long after watching it.

Equals is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 43.