Watch Involution

Involution is a psychological, sci-fi thriller directed by Pavel Khvaleev and released in 2018. The movie tells the story of a man named Hamal who lives in a world where Earth's population is in decline, and the planet is desolate and uninhabitable. Humans have moved to a space station called the Ark, where they live out their lives. Hamal, an astronaut, is sent on a mission to a distant planet to find a new source of life.

The movie opens with Hamal and his wife Polina driving across a barren desert landscape. Hamal is clearly anxious about the mission ahead of him, while Polina attempts to reassure him that everything will be all right. They arrive at a small town where they meet a group of corrupt officials who are supposed to help them find a new energy source. The group's leader, the Governor, is a tough, menacing figure who seems to know more than he is letting on. As Hamal tries to navigate this new world, he realizes that something is not quite right.

Soon after arriving on the new planet, things start to go wrong. Hamal begins experiencing vivid dreams that blur the line between reality and fantasy. He also starts to become increasingly hostile and paranoid towards those around him, suspecting that they are plotting against him. As the days go by, Hamal starts to discover that the planet is not what it seems. He encounters strange, shadowy figures that seem to be monitoring his every move.

Meanwhile, Polina back on Earth is experiencing her own troubles. She has been diagnosed with a strange illness that is causing her to see weird hallucinations. She also appears to be losing her grip on reality, as her experiences become more and more disorienting. As the two characters move deeper into their respective journeys, they both realize they are linked in ways they could never have imagined.

The cinematography is stunning throughout Involution, and the desolate landscapes lend a sense of isolation and despair. The use of lighting in the movie is particularly striking, with stark contrasts between light and dark. The score, composed by Khvaleev himself, is hauntingly beautiful and contributes to the film's overall mood.

The acting in Involution is superb, with Ryan Masson turning in a powerful performance as the lead character Hamal. He manages to convey the character's inner struggles and sense of isolation convincingly, and his performance anchors the movie. Dennis Hurley is also excellent as the Governor, exuding a sense of menace with every line he delivers. Alyona Konstantinova is equally impressive as Polina, managing to convey the character's fragility without ever becoming melodramatic.

One of the things that sets Involution apart from other sci-fi thrillers is its willingness to take risks. The movie is willing to explore some dark and unsettling themes, and it doesn't shy away from delving into the psychological depths of its characters. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the themes and characters to gradually unfold as the story progresses.

In conclusion, Involution is a gripping and atmospheric sci-fi thriller that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Its stunning visuals, haunting score, and superb acting all combine to create a world that is both disturbing and captivating. While the film's themes may be dark, it never feels gratuitous, and its exploration of human nature is both thought-provoking and engaging.

Involution is a 2018 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.4.