CTRL (2024): Movie Review
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Starring: Ananya Panday, Vihaan Samat, and Devika Vatsa
Genre: Thriller-Crime
Language: Hindi
Streaming On: Netflix
Plot:
The plot revolves around Nella Awasthi, whose life is turned upside down following a breakup with her boyfriend, Joe. Desperate for a fresh start, she turns to an AI called “CTRL” that promises to help erase her ex from her life. The story evolves into a cautionary tale about the implications of social media and AI on personal privacy, blending romance with themes of technological invasion. While the premise is engaging, the execution falls somewhat flat, especially in the slower first half, which affects the overall pacing.
Performance:
Ananya Panday’s portrayal of Nella has been highlighted as one of the film’s strengths. She tries to effectively capture her character’s emotional turmoil and desperation, anchoring the film’s narrative through her screen presence. Her performance makes the character relatable, especially given that she’s on-screen for most of the film.
Direction:
Director Vikramaditya Motwane takes a unique approach, presenting the entire movie through the protagonist’s electronic devices, lending an authentic digital touch to the storytelling. This “screen-life” format enhances immersion but also creates limitations, as the repetitive nature of certain scenes (like the AI suggestions) makes parts of the movie feel drawn out. The intent and style are clear, yet the overall direction struggles to sustain a brisk pace.
Cinematography and Technical Aspects:
The film is designed to replicate real-time interactions through screens, making it feel natural and intimate. This approach, combined with natural lighting and well-designed apps, lends a sense of authenticity to the digital world Nella inhabits. The cinematography aligns well with the film’s theme, reinforcing the all-encompassing presence of social media and AI in everyday life.
Music:
The film has little emphasis on music since it relies more on digital sounds and interactions that suit screen-based storytelling. The audio elements reinforce the digital, somewhat detached tone of the film, complementing the minimalistic approach taken in both sound and visuals.
Overall Impression:
CTRL offers a clever concept and timely commentary on AI’s role in personal life but ultimately falls short due to pacing issues and a less impactful storyline. While it raises important questions about privacy and the pitfalls of digital dependency, the slow start and repetitive scenes detract from its effectiveness. Nonetheless, it’s a thought-provoking film for viewers interested in tech-centric themes, receiving a mixed reception overall.