We get an opening scrawl at the start of Vesper, which explains that the world we will be inhabiting for the next couple of hours is rebuilt world following eco-disaster.
If the climate change predictions are true I suppose we best get used to this, although I’m not sure we will have floating drone heads with subconscious’ programmed in.
Vesper is an ambitious film, that has world-building ambitions on the level of Dune, and you will quickly become immersed with our titular teenage girl character as she struggles to survive alongside her weakened father (Richard Brake in a more restrained role).
Their existence is threatened when her father’s life supply is damaged and she must set out on a quest to find more from the ruling city now known as The Citadel. These parts of the world are owned and governed by the wealthy, who rules with an iron fist.
It’s very easy to get lost in the social commentary of Vesper, but forgetting that for a second this is a sumptuous and gorgeous looking film that is so confident in its vision.
While there is CGI work at play here, it blends perfectly with some stunning practical effects and shows how the two can co-exist when given time and I’m guessing substantial budget.
Vesper is a tale of survival in a not-so brave new world, where greed and power are currency and surviving the day is an achievement. Having said this, it does have its moments of triumph and isn’t wholly bleak.
See it on the big screen and let its cinematography and thumping score wash over you.
One of the year’s best.
Vesper screens as part of Grimmfest 2022.
Vesper is in cinemas and on demand 21 October
Bloody Flicks 