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Naked Singularity
By Tara McNamara,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Iffy message in drug heist drama; sex, language, violence.
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Naked Singularity
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What's the Story?
In NAKED SINGULARITY, a New York public defender namd Casi (John Boyega) is fighting an uphill battle, trying to give his historically marginalized, disenfranchised clients a second chance in a system that feels rigged. Seeing an out-of-balance world collapsing around him, he decides to step up to do what he thinks is right, even if it means doing something that's technically very, very wrong.
Is It Any Good?
Some teens may lean into this crime drama as their version of The Matrix, but it's really much more comparable to The Butterfly Effect: not great, but memorable, with interesting ideas. It's easy to see teens using Naked Singularity as a reference point in long, passionate discussions about the idea that the world around us isn't exactly what it seems and that perhaps something greater is happening in the cosmos or beyond -- something that could be manipulated, if only we could figure out how.
Boyega and co-star Olivia Cooke are phenomenal, continuing to prove they're talent worth following. Boyega is equally funny and haunting as an Everyman who's trying to do the right thing, and Cooke is convincingly unrecognizable from any of her previous characterizations. In adapting Sergio De La Pava's award-winning 700-page mashup of science, crime, and social commentary, writer-director Chase Palmer created quite a challenge for himself. Considering the daunting nature of the task, the result isn't half bad, but what gets lost are key details, brushed through quickly and left in the gritty corners. Comparing life to astronomy can leave your head spinning. As a whole, the endeavor isn't as smart as it pretends it is, but you might feel smart while watching it -- and, sometimes, that's good enough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role that law enforcement and the justice system play in the cycle of poverty. How does Naked Singularity address that?
Did you notice any characters who defy stereotypes? Why is it important to broaden the scope of what a hero or a villain looks like in the media?
What metaphors do you see in the film (hint: Craig's minion is one)? How is the black hole theory used to explain the film?
How did the movie's violence affect you? How does it compare to what you might see in a blockbuster action movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 6, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: October 5, 2021
- Cast: John Boyega , Olivia Cooke , Bill Skarsgård
- Director: Chase Palmer
- Inclusion Information: Black actors, Female actors
- Studio: Screen Media
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout, some violence, sexual references and drug use
- Last updated: December 30, 2022
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