In a distant future, emotions have been eliminated by a combination of mandatory drugs and some sort of magical barrier that keeps history out. When he turns 18, Jonas (Thwaites) is given the prestigious but perilous job as Receiver of Memories, working with the Giver (Bridges) to learn everything his society has deliberately forgotten. Of course this stirs all kinds of feelings inside him, worrying his parents (Skarsgard and Holmes) and especially the Chief Elder (Streep). Then he starts to enlist his pals Fiona and Asher (Rush and Monaghan) in small acts of rebellion.

There isn't much about this fiercely ordered society that resonates 21st century viewers. While ridding humanity of violence and greed would be amazing, no one is stupid enough to think that it would be worth sacrificing freedom or love to accomplish this. So while the film's premise raises some pungent ideas, it's so deeply flawed that it never works as anything but a contrived fantasy. There isn't even enough meaning to make it a parable.

Thankfully, the actors add some intrigue. Thwaites is wide-eyed and naive in the black and while opening scenes, then as his eyes open colour seeps onto the screen. When he takes action, the story gains some badly needed momentum. Skarsgard and Holmes are strong as deluded parents, offering tiny glimpses that they suspect that something isn't quite right. Streep clearly did this role as a favour: with unflattering make-up, she has little to do but scowl with charming menace. At least Bridges adds some growly unpredictability.

While director Noyce makes sure the film looks stunning, the plot itself (based on a novel by Lois Lowry) never holds water. It's impossible to believe that, even if they're drugged, people are happy to live without art, music or physical contact. Aside from some emotional scenes involving the Giver's earlier failed protege (Swift), there's nothing that sparks imagination or thought. And in the end, the heavy-handed "isn't life wonderful!" sentimentality feels just as brainwashing as anything this implausibly oppressive society does.

themes, violence

16.Sep.14