Common Sense Media Review
Violent AI sci-fi thriller offers a confusing dystopia.
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Hot Spot
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In the far-flung future of HOT SPOT, the world has collapsed into ecological chaos in which food and water are scarce. One of the only remaining refuges is a walled-off city run by an artificial intelligence called The Head, which promises a life of prosperity and safety in exchange for syncing with its all-knowing superintelligence. Djonny (Andrzej Konopka), a private eye with a wife (Reika Kirishima) who is skeptical of The Head, is asked to investigate a ritual murder connected to a new group of refugees, led by a "cyberwitch" named Rana (Noomi Rapace). These new arrivals are part of a religious cult that refuses to connect to their mainframe, which naturally sets Djonny and his fellow citizens on edge. Cue exploding heads, hallucinated dream raves, and (somehow) animal transformations.
Is It Any Good?
Imagine Blade Runner, Dune, and Logan's Run translated through a few languages and then back into English, and you'll have an idea of how this confusing, meandering sci-fi thriller plays out. Director Agnieszka Smoczynska—no stranger to artsy re-spins of the fantastical after 2015's The Lure—tries to give Hot Spot the same dreamlike ambiance, this time in a futuristic setting. But impressive set design and retro-futuristic touches clash with a script that's baffling at best and confusing at worst, playing out with little regard for a sensible plot or compelling characters. How does this world work? Who is Djonny's elfin partner (Filippa Koutoupa), and why does she seem ported in from a different movie? Also, why does Djonny turn into a tiger at critical moments?
Seemingly in a bid to attract wider international distribution, Smoczynska makes the critical error of making her international cast act out their parts largely in English. Unfortunately, English is practically none of the actors' native language, so the cast struggles through the stilted dialogue with limited ability to emote. Konopka is particularly hampered by this—as well as by his goofy mullet, hoop earrings, and embarrassing two-tone future onesie. Only Rapace escapes this, though her Rana is so enigmatic as to be barely a character. Hot Spot is a frustrating movie to experience, even for die-hard sci-fi heads who like to swim in the intricacies of a futuristic world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hot Spot's treatment of artificial intelligence and how the characters rely on AI to tell them what to think and do. Would you feel comfortable giving your agency to a machine if it promised you safety?
How does the film treat the refugee characters who try to enter the film's dystopian world? Do they have to change their ways and adapt? Should they have to do that?
Talk about the film's unconventional tone and dreamlike presentation. How does it compare to other films that present their story more traditionally? Is it a style that resonates with you?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 21, 2026
- Cast : Andrzej Konopka , Noomi Rapace , Reika Kirishima
- Director : Agnieszka Smoczynska
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Dystopia , STEM ( AI )
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violent content, gore, graphic nudity, sexual content and brief language
- Last updated : August 31, 2026
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