This David Cronenberg Sci-Fi Gem Was Overshadowed by 'The Matrix', but Deserves No Less Attention
Cronenberg, who is always one step ahead of technology, created a film that resonates even more strongly decades later.
Two movies exploring virtual reality and the blurring boundaries between the real and digital were released in 1999. One of them, The Matrix, became a cult blockbuster that changed pop culture.
The second, David Cronenberg's Existenz, was overshadowed, though it is every bit as bold and original as its celebrated counterpart.
What Is 'Existenz' About?
An assassination attempt is made on Allegra, the creator of the new gaming system, Existenz, during its presentation. She escapes with marketing intern Ted and immerses herself in the game to understand the extent of the system's damage.
To accomplish this, the two implant bioports – special connectors that allow them to access virtual reality – into their spines. In the game, they encounter creatures that blur the line between software and living tissue.
The further they progress, the more confused the levels of reality become. Those fighting against "inhumane games" seek to kill the creator of the new biosystems, and Allegra and Ted can no longer tell where the game ends and life begins.
'Existenz' Is a Work of Organic Horror and Aesthetics That Was Ahead of Its Time
Existenz is the sticky, organic opposite of The Matrix. Whereas The Matrix is about hacking computer systems, Existenz is about the fusion of technology and the human body.
The film's repulsive, biomorphic design gives it a unique aesthetic that even the highest-budget movies can't replicate. Bioports implanted in the spine and bone guns growing from hands create a world where technology becomes an extension of the flesh.
Rather than resorting to a cascade of expensive special effects, Cronenberg's Existenz lives a unique, corporeal life, evoking both curiosity and revulsion.
Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jude Law Are the Heart & Soul of 'Existenz'
Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh are a powerful duo who carry the entire movie on their shoulders. Leigh plays Allegra, a brilliant developer who is both a victim and a manipulator. She knows more than she reveals, leaving viewers uncertain about her allegiances.
Law portrays Ted, a man who stumbles into the game but gradually becomes part of it. Their journey through virtual layers, where every action and word could be part of a script, is a true intellectual quest.
The ending of Existenz calls everything we've seen into question, making it a must-see for fans of smart science fiction and anyone ready to immerse themselves in a world where reality is just a game.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Existenz'?
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Existenz has 77% from critics and 69% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.8/10.
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On Letterboxd, Existenz scored 3.6/5.0.
Where to Watch 'Existenz'?
Existenz is available to stream on Plex.
