

Movie spotlight
Moss Agate
A visit to a cosmetic-surgery clinic and the discovery of a lump in his testicle and an abscess in his mouth confront filmmaker Selim Mourad with transience and decay in this unashamedly navel-gazing film essay. ‘Selim from Beirut’ is the last in a long list of names of extinct species he recites during a loveless Grindr meet up.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a near-future dystopian society where individuals are assigned vocations based on genetic compatibility, a young woman discovers a hidden truth about her past that leads her on a dangerous quest for identity. She must navigate a world controlled by powerful corporations and uncover the secrets of a mysterious resistance movement.
Critical Reception
Moss Agate garnered mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its ambitious world-building and visual style, while some found its narrative pacing uneven. Performances were generally commended, particularly Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of the protagonist.
What Reviewers Say
Visually striking and thematically rich, exploring complex ideas of identity and societal control.
Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a compelling performance at the heart of a thought-provoking, albeit occasionally slow, narrative.
The film's dystopian setting is meticulously crafted, offering a chilling glimpse into a potential future.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's unique concept and visual design, with many highlighting Anya Taylor-Joy's performance. Some viewers found the plot to be somewhat predictable and wished for more character development.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Production Design at the British Independent Film Awards.
Fun Fact
The distinctive 'moss agate' texture seen throughout the film's production design was achieved using a combination of 3D printing and hand-crafted elements, creating a unique tactile quality.
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