I found this film searching roles of Lawrence Makoare, who is J.T., the security guard for the facility. The premise is one that's been done many times before: scientists studying something and things go wrong whether through their choices, the study subject itself or an outside force. Irritation simmers between two of the three scientists, only one of whom is even half way believable in the profession, and belief systems and religion is at the heart of the disagreement. The argument is exacerbated as they discover what might be new life developing.
Camera-work is very amateurish at times, but I gathered that was the intent:, as the story is filmed rather as a "day-in-the-life-of" as you see characters going about their work. Eventually, there is an obvious attempt to suggest all is not right at this facility with its many no-go zones and hazardous spots. When outside concerted efforts, highly suspicious and vaguely threatening despite the subjects quotation of Bible verse, everyone becomes concerned. Security cameras are methodically blacked out after showing intruders moving through the building and we are soon introduced to "their" philosophy about the enforcement of their god's will. Thus begins the scientists' need to forget their differences, cooperate and somehow survive. Viewers are supplied with a twist, however, if you keep watching.
Admittedly, acting seems rather stiff, alternating between over and under, but like many such productions, the script itself was limiting and uninspired. Much is assumed to be understood, as the concept isn't complex, but having some character background and build-up for the motivation of this scientific siege would have gone a long way in making this better and engaging viewers. I felt Makoare was later brilliant in "The Dead Lands" (2015), speaking his native language, but was ordinary in "Fundamental" (2012). Just the same, it was watchable, surpassing a few other low budget sci-fi (almost) thrillers, but just nothing remarkable. If you have 120 mins to spare for an "occasional glance" type flick and expectations aren't too high, "Fundamental" isn't the worst choice.
Camera-work is very amateurish at times, but I gathered that was the intent:, as the story is filmed rather as a "day-in-the-life-of" as you see characters going about their work. Eventually, there is an obvious attempt to suggest all is not right at this facility with its many no-go zones and hazardous spots. When outside concerted efforts, highly suspicious and vaguely threatening despite the subjects quotation of Bible verse, everyone becomes concerned. Security cameras are methodically blacked out after showing intruders moving through the building and we are soon introduced to "their" philosophy about the enforcement of their god's will. Thus begins the scientists' need to forget their differences, cooperate and somehow survive. Viewers are supplied with a twist, however, if you keep watching.
Admittedly, acting seems rather stiff, alternating between over and under, but like many such productions, the script itself was limiting and uninspired. Much is assumed to be understood, as the concept isn't complex, but having some character background and build-up for the motivation of this scientific siege would have gone a long way in making this better and engaging viewers. I felt Makoare was later brilliant in "The Dead Lands" (2015), speaking his native language, but was ordinary in "Fundamental" (2012). Just the same, it was watchable, surpassing a few other low budget sci-fi (almost) thrillers, but just nothing remarkable. If you have 120 mins to spare for an "occasional glance" type flick and expectations aren't too high, "Fundamental" isn't the worst choice.
