ANTIVIRAL

In complete contrast of the visceral gooeyness of his father’s work, Brandon Cronenberg has crafted a film as sharp as a blade, as cold as an iceberg and as slick as oil. ‘Antiviral’ is a startlingly clinical film, as if it had been created in an operating theatre. The camera slides through this carefully designed and minimalist future world with intent and precision, giving the unusual and unnerving sense of an act of voyeurism. Cronenberg wisely allows the world to grow as the film grows, not giving us a monologue or a scroll of text to deliver exposition and context. He understands the shock value of the strange future he has created, and the film is bolstered by these reveals. In less capable hands, this slow delivery of information might be aggravating or off-putting, but the craft on display is entirely about intriguing us and lulling us under its spell. It’s very hard to describe without giving away most of the film’s wicked surprises. ‘Antiviral’ is definitely not for the faint-hearted though, and while its moments of horror and gore are minimal and as tasteful as they can be, they leave a strong impression and a lurch in the stomach. The inner workings of the human body dominate the film, and it daringly doesn’t shy away from anything.

Central to the success of the film is Caleb Landry Jones’ performance as Syd, our protagonist and guide. The best way to describe his performance is vampiric, more so than we’ve seen on screen in a while. He moves with very particular grace, his hair is tied back and perfect, his skin alabaster white. Syd is a lone creature, disconnected from others yet as beguiling and hypnotic as a cobra. Jones throws his whole body and intellect into the role, and crafts an impressive character that never ceases to intrigue. Cronenberg is very lucky to have him as his leading man. As accomplished as the craftsmanship in this film is, it would fall apart if it weren’t for this portrayal.

‘Antiviral’ takes every one of its 108 minutes carefully, moving with orchestrated precision. Everything is geared to keeping you watching, hypnotising you with morbid fascination. It may lull a bit towards the end, but this is only to prepare you for the bravado of its finale. Whatever you expect going into this film, be prepared to have those expectations blown away. It might be disconcerting to watch at times, but there hasn’t been a film like this in a very long while - one that takes visual horror into such a classy and tailored direction. Brandon Cronenberg needn’t be worried about being compared to his father anymore. ‘Antiviral’ has put him on the map as an exciting director in his own right, and certainly one to watch out for.