Asif Kapadia, renowned for his acclaimed documentaries like Diego Maradona, brings a captivating twist to narrative storytelling with his **debut fiction film**, 2073, now streaming on Max **. This film intertwines the distressing realities of our contemporary world with the chilling possibilities of a near-future dystopia.**
2073: **STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?**
The Gist: Brace yourself, as every moment of 2073 is a **gritty meditation on despair**. Samantha Morton stars as Ghost, navigating a bleak San Francisco in the titular year, described as “**37 years after The Event**.” Through voiceover, Ghost shares her fears, choosing silence over conversation, reminiscent of her grandmother who faced dire consequences for her outspoken nature. **Picture this:** a tiny room within a crumbling mall, ** a haunting echo of a once-vibrant society.**
The landscape outside is a **cynical depiction** of environmental decay—orange-tinted skies, litter-cluttered waterways, towering landfills, and relentless fires dominate the backdrop. In this dystopian portrayal, we learn that a young “**Chairwoman Trump**” steps into her 30th year of power, with the affluent sheltered in luxurious towers while the masses below scramble for survival amidst oppressive policing and widespread surveillance. Ghost scavenges for sustenance, cherishing a damaged copy of The Autobiography of Malcolm X as a rare find.
As Kapadia blurs the lines between reality and fiction, **we’re presented with real archival footage**, illustrating the turbulent past three decades. Ghost’s narration is reinforced with visuals spanning social media’s rise, billionaires’ increasing influence, and the emergence of global leaders propagating fear and division. Appearances from notable journalists like Maria Ressa and Rana Ayyub further ground the film in an unsettling reality, commenting on **the grim consequences of indifference and stratification.** Ghost poignantly asserts, “**It may not be too late for you.**” Is it? You’ll have to watch to find out.
What Movies Will It Remind You Of?
If you’re a fan of dystopian narratives, 2073 evokes reflections of classic films like An Inconvenient Truth, Minority Report, and The Road. It also channels echoes of compelling documentaries, making it a unique blend of genre-defining cinematics.
Performance Worth Watching
Maria Ressa stands out with her impassioned commentary. A nobel laureate and courageous journalist, her presence adds undeniable weight to the film’s exploration of power and accountability, echoing her previous features, including the impactful A Thousand Cuts.
Memorable Dialogue
Ressa encapsulates the essence of our times with a profound retort: “**Isn’t this a science fiction movie?**” It’s a line that lingers long after the credits roll.
Sex and Skin
Not applicable—this film is driven by its somber themes rather than sensationalism.
Our Take
Kapadia’s foresight plunges us into a reality where we face **the impending collapse of our civilization**. 2073 unleashes a **flood of images depicting societal decay**, resulting in a cinematic experience that’s heavy on despair but lacking in constructive resolution. The film oscillates between fiction and reality, challenging our perceptions but ultimately muddling its central message. **Shouldn’t such a cautionary tale inspire action rather than immobilize us in hopelessness?** Unfortunately, it falls short.
“**People thought the world would end. But the world goes on. It’s us who will end.**” Ghost’s words resonate as a grave reminder of our human condition and responsibility.
In essence, Kapadia attempts to captivate viewers through a blend of nostalgic visuals and contemporary concerns, yet the film feels haphazardly stitched together. If compelled to watch, **make sure to cleanse your palate afterward** with something light-hearted—perhaps an iconic comedy like Tommy Boy or The Naked Gun. For most viewers, however, I recommend you **SKIP IT**.
John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
