This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 285! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends!
So, last night, I finally got around to watching this 2023 film called “Restore Point,” directed by Robert Hloz. Now, I gotta say, I think this might be my first dive into Polish cinema. Can you believe it? Like, I’ve seen a ton of American and British stuff, some French and Japanese flicks too, but Polish? This was a new experience for me, and let me tell you—it didn’t disappoint.
First of all, the whole concept of resurrecting people with a “restore point” backup has this vibe that totally reminded me of Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe series. If you haven’t read it, fix that ASAP. Also, there was a bit of Richard K. Morgan’s Altered Carbon in there too. You know, that futuristic, slightly dystopian world where technology can play god in the creepiest ways? Yep, Hloz went right for my sci-fi loving heart with this one.
But let’s rewind a bit. “Restore Point” is set in a dystopian 2041 where death isn’t quite the end. If you die unnaturally, you can be brought back to life, provided you’ve backed up your consciousness within the last 48 hours; that is to say, you can be restored from a certain point (hence the title). Sounds like a gamer’s dream, huh? But of course, nothing’s that simple.
But (cue dramatic music)—not everyone plays by the rules, and trouble ensues. There’s this anti-tech group called River of Life causing chaos, and our main character, Detective Em, is on their case, driven by a personal vendetta.
Now, let’s talk about Em. Played by Andrea Mohylová, she’s this badass cop with a chip on her shoulder the size of Poland. Mohylová totally nailed the role, giving Em this raw intensity that just jumps off the screen. Honestly, she’s the heart and soul of the movie. The supporting cast is pretty solid too, especially Václav Neuzil as the shady Europol agent Mansfield.
I have to admit, sitting in my cozy little living room, lights dimmed—I wasn’t expecting to be so impressed. The storyline was, well, kind of familiar, right? I mean, how many times have we seen futuristic society grappling with the moral implications of insane technology? But here’s the kicker: It didn’t feel tired or overly cliché. It just worked. The tension was real, and I was genuinely invested in what would happen to the characters.
Visually, the movie is a treat. The cyberpunk aesthetic is on point, with a gritty, futuristic Prague that looks straight out of a William Gibson novel. Plus, the action sequences are slick and well-choreographed. They even managed to pull off some pretty decent special effects on what I’m guessing was a shoestring budget.
So, yeah, “Restore Point” is definitely worth your time. It may not shatter new ground per se, but it’s like a fresh remix of your favorite song: familiar yet exciting. It’s got action, intrigue, and a thought-provoking premise. Plus, it’s always exciting to see international cinema pushing the boundaries. And honestly, I think I might dive deeper into Polish cinema after this because ahhh the quality is there!
Peace out,
Roger