“Infinite” is an action-packed, American sci-fi film that premiered in 2021. It was directed by Antoine Fuqua, who is famously known for the movies Training Day and The Equalizer. The movie was based on a novel called, The Reincarnationist Papers, and was written by D. Eric Maikranz in 2009. The film features many world-renowned actors which include Mark Wahlberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sophie Cookson, Jason Mantzoukas, Rupert Friend, Toby Jones and Dylan O’Brien.
Synopsis
The movie explores the idea of “Infinites”, people who have the unique gift of remembering all of their previous lives. These Infinites are classified into two groups:
Believers: People who consider their reincarnation as a blessing, and use the knowledge accumulated over years for the betterment of humanity.
Nihilists: People who consider the neverending cycle of rebirth a burden, and seek to exterminate all life in order to escape it.
The narrative centers on Evan McCauley (portrayed by Mark Wahlberg), a man suffering from schizophrenia who has hallucinations. What he does not know is that these hallucinations are remembrances of his past lives. A member of the Believers named Nora Brightman (played by Sophie Cookson) approaches him and makes him awaken to the fact that he is the reincarnation of Heinrich Treadway (Dylan O’Brien), an Infinite who used to be an Infinite and possessed a secretive powerful artifact called “The Egg.”
The Egg is a commodity that Bathurst (Chiwetel Ejiofor), the Nihilist chief, searches for, for it is a machine that can demolish life on Earth. Bathurst’s goal is to eradicate the cycle of reincarnation. With Evan regaining his past life memories, he has the burden of coming together with the Believers to avoid Bathurst putting action to his doomsday plans.
Cast and crew
Mark Wahlberg as Evan McCauley / Heinrich Treadway; a man facing the journey of realizing his infinite self.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Bathurst; the nihilistic force who aims to wipe life off the surface of earth.
Sophie Cookson as Nora Brightman; a believer that aids Evan in resurfacing his past.
Jason Mantzoukas as Artisan; a member of the Believers, who is funny and unapologetically himself.
Rupert Friend as Bathurst (1985); a former version of the primary antagonist.
Toby Jones as Bryan porter: Porter is a scientist helping the Believers.
Dylan O’Brien as Heinrich Treadway: He is Evan’s previous life’s persona who concealed the Egg.
Crew:
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Screenwriter: Ian Shorr
Story by: Todd Stein
Based on: The Reincarnationist Papers by D. Eric Maikranz
Producers: Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian, Mark Huff, John Zaozirny, Mark Walhberg, and Stephen Levinson.
Cinematography: Mauro Fiore
Editing: Conrad Buff
Music: Harry Gregson-Williams
Production
The film was originally planned for theatrical release on August 7, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was alternatively released on June 10, 2021 on Paramount+. Filming was done in London, Mexico City, New York City, and the Scottish Highlands.
Themes and Analysis
Infinite “examines identity, fate, and the weight of a person’s memories.” Reincarnation is used as a personification of growth. The former is approached through ideas of wisdom accrued through time. Believers and Nihilists ultimately represent opposing views on immortality and life’s value.
The film considers the psychological consequences of recalling past lives through the lens of Evan’s mental health struggles. This angle is important because it touches the issue of how profoundly knowledge can alter the human psyche—what may be enlightenment teeters close to madness.
Critical Reception
Critics of “Infinite,” upon its release, did not bite their tongues and were overwhelmingly negative. The consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reflects the harsh criticism, “An initially intriguing sci-fi thriller that quickly veers into incoherence, Infinite is as inane as it is inconsequential.,” which captures the overall lukewarm Rendon the viewers gave to the film.
The majority of the critics deemed the film as overly derivative and unimaginative, drawing unfavorable comparisons to The Matrix, Inception, and The Old Guard. They lambasted the screenplay’s incoherence as well as the film’s lack of substance, whilst also offering patronizing praise for Wahlberg’s character’s performance.
Even so, there were a few who appreciated the film’s creative concept as well as its action-filled scenes. In spite of the film’s ultimate failure, the visual effects and set pieces were regarded as highlights that carried certain shards of entertainment.
Final Thoughts
As Loopers and Life Infinte is Remade offer reincarnation possibilities. Embracing life versus fighting it is a central premise in “Infinite.” Despite having an appealing storyline, intriguing cast, and high production value, the film ultimately misses the mark in achieving its envisioned goals resulting in a mixed bag of execution. The convoluted tale does not seem to honor the effort that has undeniably been put onto it.
“Infinite” has a level of intelligence that will amuse fans of fast-paced sci-fi spectacles. Nevertheless, if you’re hoping for depth considerate of the themes the film explores, the expectations will not be met.
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