"Equals" Film Review

Equals

Humans have a range of emotions from anger to joy. Emotions are God’s gift to us as part of our human DNA. They are somewhat good; we can be generous and loving towards others. But in our culture today, out of check emotions are dangerous. When we put our desires above others, people are hurt in ways we can’t imagine.

In the future, several people live in Atmos, a dystopian community where emotions are seen as hostile. Every member is expected to do their part to eradicate a disease called SOS (Switched On Syndrome). For the most part, people do as they are told without questioning others. It works for several years.

But when two members fall in love, everything is about to change. This discovery awakens desires that Atmos tries to control. Which begs the question: Is Atmos really a safe place that it’s cracked up to be?

Positive Elements: Silas and other members do their part for the community. They work, eat and are content with passing by. As Silas falls in love with Nia, things change. Both become tired of the so-called “robotic” life in Atmos, and desire to escape. They express emotions in private for fear of being discovered.

Another member Jonas is kind to Silas. He is caring, compassionate, and desires to help Silas in any way. After finding out Silas is in love with Nia, Jonas invites him to participate in a support group where he and others can openly talk about how they feel. Silas brings Nia to the group too and is grateful for the overwhelming support.

When Silas and Nia decide to leave Atmos, it’s met with some criticism. However, Jonas and Bess (a worker in the Health and Safety department) risk their lives to make sure the couple stays together. Bess saves Nia’s life when it seems the latter is going to be punished. Both members give advice to Silas and Nia too.

Silas and Nia form a loving bond. They get to know each other and refuse to leave the other’s side. When Silas mistakenly gets the cure for SOS, Nia sticks with him. Both know they are risking everything to be together, but decide it’s worth it in the end.

Sensual Content: In Atmos, emotions are forbidden: so-called “coupling” is dangerous to the members. That doesn’t stop Silas and Nia from getting together though. The couple embrace and kiss multiple times in the film. They also hold hands at times too. After being apart for some time, Nia visits Silas in his apartment. What follows is a passionate sex scene: the camera’s rapid shots show them disrobing and falling onto a bed before it cuts away. It’s suggested they move in together too.

We see both Silas and Nia naked in the shower (the brief scene showcases their bare backs and shoulders). Before they become a couple, both of them shower in their separate apartments. One scene shows Nia sitting in the shower, her private areas covered by her legs. In a few scenes, we see the side of Nia’s bare breast. (Spoiler Warning): Nia becomes pregnant later on in the film.

Violence: Though not much is seen, some scenes are too mature for young audiences. It’s heavily indicated (through conservations) that several members committed suicide. One man falls from a high height, hitting his head on a block of concrete. The aftermath shows blood on the concrete, sprayed in some distance.

Two members are dragged through a plaza after getting caught “coupling” with each other. When doctors find out Nia is pregnant, they put her in a room where she’s locked in. Before being saved, the implication is that the leaders of Atmos plan to kill Nia and her baby.

In the support group, people talk about their feelings of pain and worthlessness. Silas contemplates suicide at one point, but doesn’t follow through with it. We learn that one female member hung herself.

Language: None.

Drugs/Alcohol: Certain drugs are used to keep emotions at bay. Once Silas is prescribed with SOS, he takes medication to treat it.

Other Negative Elements: Nia lies to Silas about not having SOS (though she later tells him the truth). Emotions are described as dangerous to the community and members must hide them in order to thrive.

Conclusion: Equals is a thought provoking film for two reasons. First, it reminds viewers that emotions are vital to being human. The second reason is having to make choices that help you as a person. As Silas and Nia break the status quo, they realize free will is possible.

However, the film contains some conundrums. Sexual content and partial nudity get some screen time. While the violence mostly takes place offscreen, some images might be too disturbing to bear. These concerns are sure to give families pause.

That said, Equals is well acted and brilliantly thought out. It pulls no punches as to how strong emotions can be, but balances how we can cope with them as well. Though the two leads don’t always make the right decisions, their love for each other echoes 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Nicholas Hoult and Kristen Stewart bring their all as Silas and Nia. Their facial expressions and chemistry are so real and poignant. They remind viewers that life is worth living and emotions need to be kept in check. Unlike films that depict suicide as a way out (such as the 2016 film Me Before You), Equals preaches that you can find healthy ways to deal with your pain.

Equals falls flat at some junctures, but the story isn’t too jumbled. This film is worth watching

and could provide poignant discussions afterwards. Please give this film a try.