The Pod Generation - Review | Sundance 2023
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© SUNDANCE INSTITUTE
Directed by: Sophie Barthes
Written by: Sophie Barthes
Starring: Emilia Clarke, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rosalie Craig, Vinette Robinson. Jean-Marc Barr
Runtime: 109 min
Synopsis: A New York couple, Rachel (Emilia Clarke) and Alvy (Chiwetel Ejiofor) live in a not-so-distant future where technology provides ever-more convenient living. A rising tech company executive, Rachel lands a coveted spot at the Womb Center, which offers couples a convenient (and shareable) maternity by way of detachable artificial wombs, or pods. But Alvy, a botanist with an affection for nature, prefers a natural pregnancy. And yet, as Rachel’s AI therapist puts it, why is that “natural”? So begins the tech-paved path to parenthood.
Editor's Note: Original review was written for InSession Film. Full article can be found below.
QUICK THOUGHTS
The Pod Generation features remarkable world-building and futuristic production design, but despite sharing thought-provoking yet repetitive, superficial messages about human evolution and advanced technology, it lacks a stronger emotional impact. Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor are VERY good, though.
