Shirley Yanez / 05 May 2025 / Categories: Movie and TV Shows, Movie

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Dystopian thriller "High-Rise"

In the dystopian thriller "High-Rise," director Ben Wheatley masterfully adapts J.G. Ballard's novel of the same name, bringing to life a chilling vision of a futuristic society stratified within the confines of a colossal residential tower block. This cinematic gem unfolds in a world where the top floor inhabitants revel in opulence while the bottom dwellers are confined to squalor. The film's setting is a towering edifice that stands as a microcosm of society, a place where social climbing is not just a metaphor but a desperate reality.

The story is set in the 1970s, yet the film's aesthetics are a mesmerizing blend of retro-futurism and modern dystopia, creating an atmosphere that's both eerily familiar and jarringly alien. The high-rise itself is a character in its own right, with each floor meticulously designed to reflect the socioeconomic status of its inhabitants. The higher up you go, the more luxurious the apartments become, with the penthouse at the zenith symbolizing the pinnacle of power and privilege.

Tom Hiddleston stars as Robert Laing, a doctor who, despite his own middle-class status, aspires to ascend the social ladder within the tower. His arrival at the 25th floor marks the beginning of a descent into chaos, as he becomes embroiled in the lives of the building's eclectic residents. The cast is a veritable who's who of British talent, including the enigmatic Sienna Miller, the charismatic Luke Evans, and the commanding presence of Jeremy Irons as the building's architect, Royal.

The film's narrative is a tightly wound spring, each floor acting as a coil that tightens with every frame. The tension is palpable as the social fabric of the high-rise begins to unravel. Power outages and mechanical failures become the catalyst for the breakdown of order, and the self-contained utopia quickly morphs into a savage dystopia. The once gleaming corridors become battlegrounds for survival, and the amenities that were once a source of pride now serve as the stage for debauchery and depravity. There are some uncomfortable scenes with animals I found too disturbing to keep my eyes open for.

As the residents grapple with their primal instincts, the film becomes a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilized behaviour. The self-contained ecosystem of the high-rise, with its shops, schools, and even a swimming pool, initially appears as the epitome of convenience and luxury. However, it's not long before the lack of external connections leads to isolation and a harrowing sense of entrapment. The tower's all-encompassing nature is both a physical and metaphorical prison, reflecting the characters' inability to escape the class divisions that define their lives.

Wheatley's direction is claustrophobic yet strangely seductive, drawing the audience into the building's labyrinthine structure with a visual flair that's as unsettling as it is mesmerizing. The film is a feast for the eyes, with a vibrant colour palette that starkly contrasts the decay and chaos that inevitably seep into the lives of the residents. The score, composed by Clint Mansell, is a pulsing heartbeat that underscores the escalating madness with an eerie, rhythmic precision.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Hiddleston delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between his own aspirations and the horrors that unfold around him. His transformation from a detached observer to an active participant in the building's anarchy is both fascinating and disturbing. Meanwhile, the supporting cast, including Elizabeth Moss as a chain smoking single heavily pregnant mother to be, adds depth to the narrative with their portrayal of the desperation and resilience of the tower's inhabitants.

"High-Rise" is not for the faint of heart, as it delves into the darkest recesses of human nature. The film's climax is a cacophony of violence and decadence that leaves the audience gasping for air. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments of poignancy and dark humour that serve to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

In summary, "High-Rise" is a thought-provoking, visually stunning, and unsettling exploration of class warfare and the illusion of a perfect, self-contained world. It's a cautionary tale wrapped in a thrilling narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, questioning the very nature of civilization and the price of progress. The film's depiction of a society that has become both figuratively and literally stratified is a haunting reflection of our own world, making it a must-watch for fans of dystopian cinema and social commentary. It is not a film for everyone. It is a dark exposing look into the future and the downside of social climbing.