Set in the near future, the film follows Cole (Ewan McGregor) and Zoe (Léa Seydoux), two colleagues who work at Relationist, a company matching people together and calculating their chance of a happy future together. Relationist operates within the pharmaceutical industry; it is marketing a new drug known as Benysol that stimulates the feeling of falling in love. But the company’s most revolutionary product is synthetic humans, essentially robots, designed to be your ideal partner.
Compatibility Through Science
Zoe decides to subject she and Cole to a compatibility quiz, but becomes disheartened when receiving a low score. She learns she is synthetic and designed as a test to see if she can pass as a real person. With this newfound awareness, Zoe and Cole venture into the world around them. The two soon grow close, physically and emotionally, and embark upon a profound relationship. But when an accident strikes, Cole finds himself pulling away from Zoe, unable to look at her in the same way. Meanwhile, Relationist continues developing Benysol, as distribution to the public begins. When the drug falls into the hands of Cole and Zoe, she realizes she doesn’t want to live a life without him and makes a drastic decision.
McGregor and Seydoux give great performances here, and their chemistry is sensational. The supporting cast of Rashida Jones, Theo James, and Christina Aguilera all give solid performances. Despite this being Aguilera’s first attempt at a more dramatic role, her lack of experience doesn’t shine through. Matthew Gray Gubler makes a brief appearance as one of Zoe’s one night stands; he’s credited as ‘Skinny White Guy,’ even though his character is called Michael.
John Gulserian’s cinematography emphasises the natural beauty of the film’s locations across Montréal, keeping in line with the aesthetic of Doremus’ other films. The score from Dan Romer complements “Zoe’s” filmmaking further. Of note, I learnt McGregor took over the role of Cole from Charlie Hunnam before filming due to scheduling conflicts.
Sci-fi gives way to deep themes and connections
Although “Zoe” centres around the idea of synthetic humans, it deals with deep themes such as human connection and emotions. It pleads with the idea of which of these may provide us with a better relationship. We have to consider: will future humanity may rely on synthetic or artificial intelligence for relationships and romance?
On par, “Zoe” is beautifully-shot and well-acted. It’s a film that turns a sci-fi plot into an aesthetically pleasing drama with a superb cast. As always, Doremus gives viewers yet a film that deals with deep themes and thought-provoking ideas.
