Drake Doremus’ 2015 drama “Equals” is a futuristic tale that tells the story of two lovers in a forbidden relationship, set in a future where emotions have been outlawed. Nicholas Hoult and Kristen Stewart’s chemistry forms a profound romance that leaves you rooting for them by the final scene.
Set in a time where that forbids all forms of emotion, a society named ‘The Collective’ is all that remains. Silas (Nicholas Hoult) begins to experience symptoms of SOS (Switched On Syndrome)—a disease within this society where emotions start to emerge. Silas notices these symptoms in his colleague Nia (Kristen Stewart), and when he confronts her, the two begin a profound romance, risking their lives for love.
If you were to take the film at face value, you would see it’s essentially a modern version of “THX 1138,” George Lucas’ 1973 drama. Both films take place in a futuristic society where emotion no longer exists, and both centre around a prohibited romance. “Equals” also feels as if Doremus had taken some inspiration from Romeo and Juliet, especially in the film’s more emotional moments. Doremus provides Nathan Parker with an emotion-fueled story that feels fresh and contemporary; Parker pens a fitting screenplay that Hoult and Stewart bring to life.
The color palette works to enhance the film; white hues in the costumes and sets create pleasing contrasts to the blues and oranges used by Cinematographer John Gulserian. Bukit Merah, Singapore, and Osaka, Japan are among the many locations that slot into the “Equals” futuristic aesthetic with ease. The close-ups are used in the film to pleasing effect; they exist not only to help viewers to connect to each character, but show overwhelming emotions these characters are experiencing. “Equals” allows the director to complete his trilogy of love. “Like Crazy” was about the past, “Breathe In” was about being in the present, and ‘Equals’ is about the future.
Human connection is the heart of this film; whether it’s Silas interacting with other SOS sufferers, or the intense affair between Nia and Silas, the idea that the bonds we have may not exist in the future, is something that makes “Equals” such an interesting film. Despite being a romance, Doremus builds tension in the climactic scenes that have you on the edge of your seat. The anxiety over Silas and Nia getting caught keeps you thoroughly engaged in the film.
The backstory behind ‘The Collective’s’ creation almost feels slightly speculative—a cataclysmic war that results in society having to begin anew. “Equals” exaggerates the danger of emotion. The negatives effects of being able to feel project onto a society in which these feelings simply don’t exist. This asks the question is a society without these feelings better or worse for humans? Do we need these emotional bonds, or can we exist without them?
Drake Doremus brings “Equals” at a time where we’re probably the most opinionated and divided as a society. Both leads deliver fantastic performances, leading a film that asks bold questions against an aesthetically pleasing backdrop.
You can watch or rent “Equals” from most streaming platforms.
