Bliss

For his third film as director and screenwriter Mike Cahill remains faithful to science fiction. Thus after Another Earth (2011) and I origins (2014) Bliss tackles the theme of a simulation of an alternative world in which two human beings who are out of step with this world will get closer and try to find a way out. Greg (Owen Wilson) is a recently divorced man who seems to be losing his footing in both his personal and professional life. When he has just been fired by his boss and accidentally kills him as a result of their reunion, Greg meets Isabel (Owen Wilson) who informs him that they live in a virtual simulation of a world and that they possess telekinetic powers in this world.

Navigating between a futuristic real world in which new technologies have totally revolutionized our world and a world created from scratch, Greg will have to find his bearings and above all decide which world he feels best in. Bliss thus tackles with real intelligence the theme of man's place in the world and especially the effects that society can have on us. Far from the Matrix universe in which a man becomes the equal of a real war machine, Bliss uses special effects as little as possible and never tries to propose a flood of revolutionary special effects. Closer to an independent film in its approach than a Hollywood film, Bliss can surprise as much as it can destabilize viewers.

As in his two previous films, director and screenwriter Mike Cahill continues to emphasize themes that are close to his heart. In another earth, he already approached the theme of a parallel universe but this time he takes into account new technologies. Yet Bliss seems on many occasions to hesitate about the direction of his story and the position to take. Should he choose one of the two worlds? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these?. The scenario seems not to succeed totally in taking a strong position.

However, the functional duo of Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek is appreciated. Their presence gives the film a very particular tone and reminds us once again of the fragility of our lives. The result is an audacious, fragile film that is well worth watching.

Bliss
Written and directed by Mike Cahill
Produced by James D. Stern
Starring Owen Wilson, Salma Hayek, Madeline Zima, Nesta Cooper, DeRon Horton, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. and Joshua Leonard
Music by Will Bates
Cinematography: Markus Förderer
Edited by Troy Takaki
Production companies : Endgame Entertainment
Distributed by Amazon Studios
Release date: February 5, 2021 (United States)
Running time : 104 minutes

Viewed on February 05, 2021 (Prime Video)

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