Watch Strange Days
- R
- 1995
- 2 hr 25 min
-
7.2 (79,556)
It's the year 1999, and society has evolved to a point where people can experience other people's memories and emotions via a device called the SQUID, which stands for Superconducting Quantum Interference Device. The SQUID records a person's experiences with all of their senses, and allows others to experience those same sensations through a headset.
One person making a living off of this new technology is Lenny Nero (played by Ralph Fiennes), a former cop turned underground dealer who specializes in illegal SQUID recordings. His clients include wealthy thrill-seekers, sexual deviants, and anyone looking for a unique experience. However, he draws the line at recording murder, and when he receives a snuff recording that shows the murder of a prostitute by two cops, he finds himself in over his head.
Lenny enlists the help of his friend Mace (played by Angela Bassett), a bodyguard and former employee of the LAPD. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind the snuff recording and bring the two corrupt cops to justice. Along the way, Lenny reconnects with his ex-girlfriend Faith (played by Juliette Lewis), a troubled singer who is being pursued by a stalker.
As Lenny delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a larger conspiracy at play involving high-ranking officials, corrupt police officers, and a group of activists who are planning a New Year's Eve revolution. As the clock ticks down to the new millennium, Lenny and Mace must navigate the dangerous world of underground SQUID recordings and corrupt law enforcement to bring justice to those who've been wronged.
Strange Days is a dark and thought-provoking film that explores the dangers of technology and its impact on society. Director Kathryn Bigelow, who went on to win an Academy Award for The Hurt Locker, masterfully creates a dystopian Los Angeles that feels eerily prescient even today. The film features strong performances by its three leads, particularly Fiennes and Bassett, who have great chemistry and bring depth to their roles.
The movie also features a standout soundtrack, with songs by artists like PJ Harvey, Nine Inch Nails, and Massive Attack. The music adds to the film's dark and gritty atmosphere, and helps to underscore the themes of rebellion and resistance that run throughout the story.
Overall, Strange Days is a film that deserves more recognition than it has received over the years. It's a thrilling and intense ride from start to finish, with a powerful message about the dangers of unchecked technology and the need for social change. If you're a fan of sci-fi, thrillers, or just great movies in general, Strange Days should definitely be on your watch list.