ZEROS AND ONES – “Confoundingly murky in the most frustrating of ways”

zerosandones

RATING

DIRECTOR

Abel Ferraran

MAIN CAST

  • Ethan Hawke as JJ
  • Cristina Chiriac
  • Phil Neilson
  • Valerio Mastandrea
  • Dounia Sichov

SYNOPSIS

An American soldier, stationed in Rome with the Vatican blown up, embarks on a hero's journey to uncover and defend against an unknown enemy threatening the entire world.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Confoundingly murky in the most frustrating of ways, Zeros and Ones is experimental filmmaking that fails more than it succeeds. Director Abel Ferrara made the film in the throes of Lockdown and, well, it shows. To be fair, Ferrara does a great job of creating intentional anxiety and uncertainty (I’m assuming anyways). His flashes of grainy destruction and shaky cam POV shots go a long way in creating unease. Mixed with the scenes of terrorists and hostages and military operatives, it adds up to one big jumbled puzzle – only many of the pieces are missing. What does it all mean? No idea. Heck, even its star Ethan Hawke is somewhat perplexed by it all. How do I know this? Well, he tells us IN the movie. Yep, Hawke bookends the film with some “web cam commentary.” He even informs us that yes, “this is part of the movie.” But with a runtime of under 1 hour 30 mins, it’s barely a movie. Listen, this movie is not going to be for everyone – not even close. But for those looking for artsy art house fare, have at it. This critic couldn’t stop scratching his head though.

BOX OFFICE TOP 5

ThumbIcon_Flame_2

6.5

ThumbIcon_Volcano_1

9.5

Dune: Part Two
$17.6 million

ThumbIcon_Flame_2

7

Kung Fu Panda 4
$16.8 million

ThumbIcon_Flame_2

7.5

Immaculate
$5.4 million

ThumbIcon_Flame_2

-

Arthur the King
$4.4 million

RECENT FEED