As "Kimi" (2022 release; 89 min.) opens, the CEO of the company that makes Kimi, an Alexa-reminding device, is doing a TV interview from his Seattle-based home. We then are introduced to know Angela, who works as a voice stream interpreter at that company, but working remotely due to COVID-19. It's not long before Angela picks up an audio file containing what appears to be an assault on a woman. At this point we are 10 min into the film.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from director Stephen Soderbergh, working from prolific David Koepp's latest script. The movie is plot-heavy so the less said about how this plays out, the better. My overall sense as I was watching this is that I was reminded on multiple occasions of Alfred Hitchcock. "Rear View" immediately comes to mind, but also the recurring theme of a single person accidentally becoming involved in something big. Of course the other underlying theme is the perils of ever more intrusive technology in today's society. Kudos to Zoe Kravitch for a great lead performance as Angela, as she caries the movie from beginning to end. Last but not least, the original score is by Cliff Martinez, the once super-prolific film composer wo is making his return after 4-5 years away. Bottom line: this turned out to be mindless entertainment and the hour and a half just flew by in no time.
"Kimi" premiered last night on HBO Max (meaning, it's not even on HBO or HBO On Demand). Why such a low profile release, I have no idea. In any event, if you are in the mood for a decent thriller, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from director Stephen Soderbergh, working from prolific David Koepp's latest script. The movie is plot-heavy so the less said about how this plays out, the better. My overall sense as I was watching this is that I was reminded on multiple occasions of Alfred Hitchcock. "Rear View" immediately comes to mind, but also the recurring theme of a single person accidentally becoming involved in something big. Of course the other underlying theme is the perils of ever more intrusive technology in today's society. Kudos to Zoe Kravitch for a great lead performance as Angela, as she caries the movie from beginning to end. Last but not least, the original score is by Cliff Martinez, the once super-prolific film composer wo is making his return after 4-5 years away. Bottom line: this turned out to be mindless entertainment and the hour and a half just flew by in no time.
"Kimi" premiered last night on HBO Max (meaning, it's not even on HBO or HBO On Demand). Why such a low profile release, I have no idea. In any event, if you are in the mood for a decent thriller, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.