Ben Wheatley's quirky sci-fi "Bulk" may not be a blockbuster on any conventional scale, but it packs an impressive punch given its modest budget. This retro-futuristic romp careens through themes of reality-bending paranoia, multiverse proliferation, and the blurring of lines between consciousness and materiality.
As director Wheatley takes aim at the cosmos with a keen eye for tongue-in-cheek commentary, he references a veritable smorgasbord of pop culture touchstones that range from "Space: 1999" to John Frankenheimer's and Chris Petit's films. The film's use of monochrome cinematography, Dutch angles, and looming close-ups imbues it with a distinct, dreamlike quality – one that's further accentuated by the often-baffling special effects work, which relies on Airfix models in creative ways.
A self-indulgent endeavor at times, "Bulk" is rescued from its lulls by the undeniable chemistry between lead actors Alexandra Maria Lara and Sam Riley. The real-life married couple brings an infectious likability to their respective roles, a journalist and his enigmatic captor respectively – characters that serve as gateways to Wheatley's audacious vision.
At the center of it all is Mark Monero (played by Noah Taylor), the reclusive multibillionaire with a penchant for hubris. His "Brain Collider" – an experimental device rivaling the Large Hadron Collider in scope, yet the size of someone's front room – serves as the focal point around which the film's labyrinthine narrative twists and turns.
It is here that Alexandra Maria Lara shines as the mysterious and alluring woman who may be either friend or foe to Riley's reporter. Her deadpan wit and charisma serve as a counterpoint to Wheatley's frenetic energy, allowing the audience to find a footing in this cosmic 3D madness.
Ultimately, "Bulk" is a film that demands patience and surrender – embracing its zany antics and quirkiness rather than railing against them. For those willing to join the ride, Wheatley delivers a captivating sci-fi odyssey that explores some of our biggest questions with unapologetic humor and panache.
As director Wheatley takes aim at the cosmos with a keen eye for tongue-in-cheek commentary, he references a veritable smorgasbord of pop culture touchstones that range from "Space: 1999" to John Frankenheimer's and Chris Petit's films. The film's use of monochrome cinematography, Dutch angles, and looming close-ups imbues it with a distinct, dreamlike quality – one that's further accentuated by the often-baffling special effects work, which relies on Airfix models in creative ways.
A self-indulgent endeavor at times, "Bulk" is rescued from its lulls by the undeniable chemistry between lead actors Alexandra Maria Lara and Sam Riley. The real-life married couple brings an infectious likability to their respective roles, a journalist and his enigmatic captor respectively – characters that serve as gateways to Wheatley's audacious vision.
At the center of it all is Mark Monero (played by Noah Taylor), the reclusive multibillionaire with a penchant for hubris. His "Brain Collider" – an experimental device rivaling the Large Hadron Collider in scope, yet the size of someone's front room – serves as the focal point around which the film's labyrinthine narrative twists and turns.
It is here that Alexandra Maria Lara shines as the mysterious and alluring woman who may be either friend or foe to Riley's reporter. Her deadpan wit and charisma serve as a counterpoint to Wheatley's frenetic energy, allowing the audience to find a footing in this cosmic 3D madness.
Ultimately, "Bulk" is a film that demands patience and surrender – embracing its zany antics and quirkiness rather than railing against them. For those willing to join the ride, Wheatley delivers a captivating sci-fi odyssey that explores some of our biggest questions with unapologetic humor and panache.
I mean, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned mind-bender? "Bulk" is like the ultimate trip to the weird internet cafe – you're not entirely sure what's real or just your brain's attempt at sci-fi fanfiction 
. The special effects might look like they were made by a 90s-era kid with a glue stick, but honestly, that's part of its charm 
. It's like watching an old VHS tape where the picture quality is all wonky and the sound is distorted – you're too invested to care 
! The leads are cute, I guess 
, and Ben Wheatley's enthusiasm for this entire project is just infectious 
. If you're down with a sci-fi romp that defies logic and sanity, then "Bulk" might be the movie for you 
he's all over the place with his references and special effects, but honestly it feels kinda intentional? like, who needs coherence when you can have a bunch of trippy moments strung together 
anyway, it's like we're all just trying to one-up each other in a never-ending game of cosmic tag 
at least ben wheatley is being true to himself and his weird sensibilities 
mark monero's character tho... dude's just a massive ego trapped in a giant nerd suit 
anyway, if you're down for some trippy, tongue-in-cheek vibes, i guess "bulk" is worth checking out 
! And can we talk about the chemistry between Alexandra Maria Lara and Sam Riley? 
They're just perfect as a couple, it's like they were meant to play each other. And Noah Taylor as Mark Monero? ICONIC 
. And I gotta say, Ben Wheatley's direction is pure magic – the way he weaves together all these different themes & references is like a masterclass in storytelling 
.