Watch We've Forgotten More Than We Ever Knew

We've Forgotten More Than We Ever Knew is a haunting and enigmatic sci-fi drama that takes us on an existential journey through an abandoned post-apocalyptic world. Written and directed by Thomas Woodrow, the film premiered at the Cinequest Film Festival in 2016 and has since received critical acclaim for its unique atmosphere, poetic imagery, and thought-provoking themes.

The story begins with two nameless survivors (played by Doug Jones and Louisa Krause) who wander across a desolate landscape that seems frozen in time. They are both haunted by memories of their past lives, but they can't seem to connect with each other or the world around them. They speak in fragmented sentences, as if their language has been eroded by the void that surrounds them. They scavenge for water, food, and shelter, but they seem to lack a clear purpose or direction.

As they explore the ruins of an abandoned city, they come across a third survivor (played by Aaron Stanford) who is different from them. He is more articulate, more self-assured, and seems to have a hidden agenda. He claims to be a scientist who has been working on a cure for a virus that wiped out most of humanity, but his true motivations are shrouded in mystery. The three of them form an uneasy alliance, and as they journey deeper into the unknown, they face a series of startling revelations that challenge their sanity and their perceptions of reality.

One of the most striking aspects of We've Forgotten More Than We Ever Knew is its visual style. The film was shot on location in the Mojave Desert, and the desolate landscapes and abandoned buildings create a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for the characters' journey. The cinematography, by Isaac Banks, is often dreamlike, with glimmers of light and color piercing the otherwise monochromatic palette. The music score, by Amman Abbasi, is equally atmospheric, with haunting piano melodies and ambient soundscapes that reinforce the mood of isolation and mystery.

Another key element of the film is its use of minimalistic dialogue. The characters rarely speak in complete sentences, and their words are often fragmented and cryptic. This creates a sense of ambiguity and detachment, as if the characters are struggling to articulate their innermost thoughts and emotions. The film relies heavily on visual storytelling, and the actors convey a lot through their physical gestures and expressions. Doug Jones, a master of body language and prosthetic makeup, delivers a haunting performance as the more primitive of the two survivors, while Louisa Krause brings a sense of vulnerability and curiosity to her character. Aaron Stanford, best known for his role in X-Men: The Last Stand, brings an enigmatic charisma to his role, keeping the audience guessing about his true motives until the very end.

Thematically, We've Forgotten More Than We Ever Knew explores some big questions about humanity, identity, and memory. The film asks whether we are defined by our past experiences, or whether we can reinvent ourselves in the face of adversity. It also probes the nature of language and communication, suggesting that words can both connect and isolate us, depending on how they are used. The film doesn't provide easy answers to these questions, but it invites the audience to ponder them long after the credits roll.

Overall, We've Forgotten More Than We Ever Knew is a slow-burning, atmospheric sci-fi film that rewards patient viewers with its haunting visuals, poetic storytelling, and thought-provoking themes. It's the kind of film that sticks in your mind and prompts multiple viewings, as you unpack its many layers of meaning. If you're a fan of introspective, visually stunning genre cinema, this film is definitely worth a watch.

We've Forgotten More Than We Ever Knew is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.