by Shane Conto
When did you first hear about the film adaptation of Chaos Walking? Was it back in 2011 when Charlie Kaufman took a stab at the screenplay? Was it when Doug Liman came aboard and started principle photography in 2017? Was it when they announced that poor test screenings had sent it back for reshoots in 2019? Was it when the film was finally within striking distance in 2021? Yeah… this film has been a bit cursed. This long and twisted road to a theatrical release has been one for the record books but one important question must be answered. Was this wait well worth it for audiences?
Where do I even start with this film? Could it be that there have been around 8 or so different writers who have worked on the screenplay?
The most surprising of which would certainly be Charlie Kaufman. I cannot even imagine Kaufman putting together a film based off of this particular story. But in the end, the actual writing credits go to the original author, Patrick Ness, along with Christopher Ford. They take this story about a community on a distant planet made up of only men whose inner feelings can be seen projecting from them and throw some big effects and action in too. But what happens when a group of people on a ship from Earth crashes with one survivor, a girl? When a young man with little control over his projected thoughts (referred to as “Noise”) meets her, they go on the run so she can connect with her people. When it comes to the characters that fill out the film, there are very few that are genuinely interesting. The two leads are pretty bland, in all honesty. They do not have layers, which makes for some pretty boring characters. Plus, there area only a few supporting characters that add much to the film. There are the Mayor and Reverend characters who present some interesting perspectives on how they show their Noise with the Reverend aggressively projecting at all times and the Mayor hides his feelings deep underneath.
The script is definitely the weakest aspect of the film for quite a few reasons.
One scene sees our lead, portrayed by rising star Tom Holland, washing in a pond when a tentacled creature attacks. But then they cut to him after with absolutely no explanation on what happened. There are some other creatures that inhabit this world with zero explanation and build up. The young pair arrive at another settlement with all men and women, but for some reason the script rushes this place without fleshing out any of these townsfolk. Then there is the Noise which is used in a limitedly functional way. The beginning parts of the film are almost unbearable with how crazy these effects are and the ranged and varied amount of voices going on at once. But what will make up for the fall characters and get an emotional reaction? Killing animals… of course they would go this far. But in general, the story never feels like it hits the next gear, which makes for a plodding experience.
But does Liman lift up the film with his direction?
Not quite. Liman has his strong outings with Edge of Tomorrow and The Bourne Identity, which are driving forces of energy and entertainment. Unfortunately, Chaos Walking lacks that energy and fun. This feels slow and plodding in a way that disappoints. The film is full of effects and Liman creatives an interesting and inventive way to realize the projected thoughts in the men of the film. They each have a type of cloud around them and they are visualizing and engaging. The rest of the film features a lot of effects that are solid but not particularly impressive. The visuals are an interesting balance of beautiful scenery (which Liman captures well) and a Firefly type balance of sci-fi technology and western aesthetics. The production design and costumes are memorable if not strange. The Mayor rides around in a giant red fur coat and the young woman is dressed like a neon lumberjack. Does this paint you a picture?
What will probably grab most audience members’ attention?
The cast. You have Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley in this picture. That is some great rising star pedigree… too bad neither actor really shines. They are solid performances, but they never really stand out on their own in the film. To be honest, they do not have a lot to work with. The two intense and intriguing performances are Mads Mikkelsen (The Mayor) and David Oyelowo (The Reverend). They are the villains with distinctive feels that both actors elevate. Demian Bichir delivers an endearing and empathetic performance as Holland’s dad. Nick Jonas sticks out like a sore thumb as a tough guy. One last big talent is Cynthia Erivo who, like the whole town that she leads, is underdeveloped and shallow.
After all of this time, was this really worth the wait?
Not really. The film is filled with limited action and tons of effects. There were certainly plenty of ideas to present but it never really dug deep. Many flat characters and slow plodding make this one fall short of its high concept. Chaos Walking has so much potential that I can only wish it met.
Grade: D+