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High Rise

2009TV ShowEnded1 SeasonEnglish
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Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes62%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users59%
Director: Ben WheatleyGenres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

Dr. Robert Laing moves into a luxurious high-rise building, a self-contained world designed to keep its residents isolated from the outside. Initially, he enjoys the amenities and the social hierarchy within the tower. However, as class tensions escalate between the upper and lower floors, the building descends into primal chaos, pushing Laing to confront his own primal instincts.

Critical Reception

High-Rise received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised its visual style, ambitious adaptation of J.G. Ballard's novel, and strong performances, particularly from Tom Hiddleston. However, some found the film's bleakness and narrative progression unsettling or difficult to follow, leading to a polarized reception regarding its overall effectiveness and message.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually striking and thematically ambitious, capturing the dystopian essence of Ballard's novel.
  • A challenging and often disturbing exploration of societal breakdown and human nature.
  • Performances are strong, but the film's bleakness and deliberate pacing can be alienating for some.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a divided opinion, with many appreciating the film's unique visual aesthetic and provocative themes. However, a significant portion of viewers found the narrative bleak, overly stylized, and lacking in emotional depth, making it a polarizing cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Actor (Tom Hiddleston) and Best Adapted Screenplay at the British Independent Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The distinctive architecture of the 'high-rise' itself was created using a combination of practical effects, a detailed miniature model, and CGI, reflecting a desire to capture a retro-futuristic aesthetic.

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