By Melissa Antoinette Garza
CIRCLE was a film found on Amazon when perusing new titles. It sounded interesting and the trailer was intriguing enough to give it a go.
The movie surrounds a large group of people taken into a room by what is believed to be aliens. All of the walls are black, but a bright red circle sits in front of them. There are white arrows that each individual can move with their hand and stop it anywhere. Each person has their own designated arrow and can only see their own.
Quickly, the group determines that the arrows signify a vote and whoever obtains the most votes is killed by a flash from the circle. Every two minutes a new vote begins.
Soon, allies are created, prejudices surface and stereotypes are examined as the group determine who should be the next to die. At first, the majority decides that anyone over the age of 70 should be the first to go much to the chagrin of the elderly.
Once the elderly are dead, different behaviors are discussed. Family, career, criminal background, race, immigration status, marriage, homosexuality, religion and police discrimination are all factors that arise. Things that trolls typically would only spew on social media are thrown around indignantly.
Eventually, two groups emerge. One group is willing to sacrifice themselves to try and save the life of a young child and/or pregnant woman. This group wants to make certain that they are left at the end and between each other can determine who lives.
The other group believes that everything should be equal and that each should have a chance at survival. Close attention is paid by all to try and keep control of the board, meaning with every turn each team attempts to kill someone from the other team.
Soon, through the art of persuasion and guilt, people begin switching teams and voting differently than expected.
In the end, when the last few people stand, we see if humanity can overrule self-preservation.
The movie is a great send up to THE TWILIGHT ZONE with thoughts of THE SHELTER and THE MONSTERS ARE DUE ON MAPLE STREET coming to mind. Both episodes deal with catastrophic situations and people turning on one another to save their own skin.
At times, it even gave the vibe of 12 ANGRY MEN. It was especially similar when the characters became combative and took stances against one another on issues of bigotry and social injustice.
That said, the social commentary is modernized and well-thought out. It’s a bit on the nose, but there are enough idiotic tweets and Facebook posts to back up the sad existence of the opinions expressed within the film.
Overall, I was really impressed. THE CIRCLE went by quickly, offered clues to the conclusion and delved deeply into a vast amount of political and social issues that are typically overgeneralized in film.
The acting was great, the dialogue witty and superbly delivered. The plot was both entertaining and compelling.
SCARED STIFF RATING: 8/10
