Movie spotlight
Tragos: A Cyber-Noir Witch Hunt
An urban cult of techno-pagans practice their religous rites in a virtual reality realm called Tragos until one of them uses the VR device as a suicide machine, only to reincarnate as a disembodied entity in cyberspace. Following the death of one of the tribe, the law soon intervenes and the prosecuting attorney, a Christian fundamentalist, scapegoats their leader and her group as a satanic suicide cult. The fundamentalist attorney pays a mole, an unemployed actor posing as a detective, to infiltrate the cult and bring its demise.
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Plot Summary
In a dystopian future where bio-augmentation is commonplace, a jaded detective is hired to find a missing woman. His investigation uncovers a conspiracy involving a powerful corporation and a digital consciousness that may hold the key to humanity's future. As he delves deeper, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, questioning the nature of reality and his own identity.
Critical Reception
Tragos: A Cyber-Noir Witch Hunt received a mixed reception from critics and audiences. While praised for its ambitious cyberpunk aesthetic and intriguing premise, many found its plot convoluted and its execution lacking. The film is often cited as an example of late 90s/early 2000s direct-to-video sci-fi that aimed high but didn't quite stick the landing.
What Reviewers Say
Visually striking with a compelling neo-noir atmosphere.
The complex plot sometimes becomes difficult to follow.
Mark Dacascos delivers a solid performance as the hard-boiled detective.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and largely neutral, with some appreciating the film's stylish visuals and action sequences, while others expressed disappointment with its confusing narrative and underdeveloped characters.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Tragos', is Greek for 'goat', which can be symbolic of a scapegoat, fitting the film's theme of a witch hunt.
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