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Soulmate

Soulmate (2021)

Thirteen-year-old Mila Malinov wakes up alone in the back of a cab. Arriving at the densely packed apartment block of zone 21, she makes her way to her room as the watchful eye of the global government hovers above in the form of monitor drones. Across the courtyard, another set of eyes watches her, a protective Mother. Her room is small, cubed, and very simplistic. In her ear, a voice keeps her company. Her father, Darko Malinov checks in. He speaks to her through an earpiece making sure she’s okay. The next day, Mila visits the local bartering station that’s at the end of the long alley that hugs her apartment block. Currency in this world has resorted back to bartering, swapping items for other items. Mila finds a group of interested buyers and swaps a capacitor for some food, all while her father guides her. That night, she shares a meal with her father via voice, wishing that he was there instead. As Mila sleeps, a figure sneaks up to her door making Mila nervous.

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Directed by Nik Kacevski

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Crew

Director
  • Nik Kacevski
Writer
  • Nik Kacevski

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Thematic Analysis

As a science fiction narrative, Soulmate explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.

Director Nik Kacevski brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Soulmate took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 16 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 44 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Soulmate shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Man Who Fell to Earth, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Soulmate offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Thirteenth Floor and Escape from New York explore similar territory, Soulmate stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 26, 2021
  • Runtime: 16m