Watch Selfless

Selfless is a thought-provoking science-fiction thriller directed by Tarsem Singh and released in 2015. It features a wealthy and terminally ill businessman, Damian Hayes (played by Ben Kingsley) who seeks to cheat death by undergoing a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the healthy body of a younger man, Ryan Reynolds' character, named Edward/Marcus. Initially, everything seems to go as planned, with Damian enjoying his new lease on life, his revitalized body, youth, and even talents. However, the more he tries to piece together his new identity, the more he finds himself haunted by memories of the body's original owner and his mysterious past.

As the story unfolds, we learn that Edward was not a willing participant in the identity transfer, and his previous life was anything but ordinary. Consequently, he desperately seeks to find Damian and reclaim his body. Damian, on the other hand, discovers that the procedure he underwent was not as ethical and harmless as he was led to believe. He also learns that the powerful, shadowy organization behind the identity transfer has dangerous and manipulative intentions, and will stop at nothing to maintain their control and secrecy.

As the two characters come at odds with each other, their lives, memories, and identities collide, forcing them to confront deeper questions about consciousness, morality, and humanity. The movie also introduces the themes of mortality, aging, and the idea that people can never truly escape their pasts, which are explored in a manner that reminds viewers of its thought-provoking nature.

The acting in Selfless is top-notch, with Ryan Reynolds, in particular, giving an outstanding performance. His portrayal of the dual identities, Edward and Marcus, is seamless, nuanced, and engaging. Ben Kingsley is also fantastic in his role, as he effectively captures the vulnerability, desperation, and ruthlessness of a man on the brink of death who is also keen on cheating it. Other members of the cast, including Matthew Goode, Natalie Martinez, and Victor Garber, also deliver convincing performances that add to the movie's intrigue and suspense.

The direction and cinematography of the film are equally impressive, with Tarsem Singh's signature visual flair and attention to detail lending the movie an otherworldly feel. The movie's various locales, from the sterile laboratories to the gritty streets of New Orleans, are captured beautifully, providing a stark contrast between the stark world of the corporation behind the identity transfer and the vibrancy of its surroundings. The special effects are also skillfully executed, especially the scenes that showcase the transfer of Damian's consciousness into Edward's body.

Selfless is not just an action-packed thriller; it's a complex and thought-provoking examination of what makes us human, our obsession with youth and vitality, and the moral dilemmas that can arise when one's identity is tampered with. The film offers a unique twist on the idea of body swapping, and how people perceive their lives and experiences. The story is gripping and suspenseful, and viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats throughout the movie.

Overall, Selfless is a well-executed, visually stunning, and thought-provoking film that offers an excellent blend of action, suspense, and ethical exploration. The strong performances, intelligent writing, and skillful direction make it a must-see movie for science-fiction and thriller fans alike. It's a cinematic experience that will entertain, thrill and leave you pondering at the same time.

Selfless is a 2015 science fiction movie. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 34.