Marjorie Prime (2017)

Marjorie Prime Poster

A service which creates holographic projections of late family members allows an elderly woman to spend time with a younger version of her deceased husband.

Introduction
"Marjorie Prime" is a 2017 American film that blends elements of drama, mystique, and science fiction. It is directed by Michael Almereyda and based on Jordan Harrison's Pulitzer Prize-nominated play of the very same name. The movie is an extensive exploration of memory, identity, love, and loss, set against the backdrop of a near-future truth where AI holograms of lost liked ones use solace and companionship.

Plot Summary
Marcy, an 86-year-old female suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, connects with a good-looking holographic buddy representing her deceased spouse, Walter Prime, as he was in his 40s. This AI figure is designed to promote Marcy's fading memories by recalling shared experiences and telling captivating stories of their past. Their daughter, Tess, and son-in-law, Jon, grapple with their sensations about this synthetic variation of a much-loved family member.

Performances and Characters
Tess, played by Geena Davis, is doubtful about Walter Prime's utility and is discomforted by his presence. Her spouse Jon, represented by Tim Robbins, is more amenable to the concept of synthetic friendship, seeing it as a way to alleviate Marjorie's suffering. The film is mostly driven by the efficiencies of these actors, along with Lois Smith's representation of Marjorie. Smith instills Marjorie with a captivating blend of fragility and strength.

Exploration of Themes
Throughout the film, the lines in between human memory and AI programming blur. Subtle distinctions in how each character keeps in mind the past are unearthed in conversations with holographic representations of their loved ones, revealing deep-seated emotional intricacies. The AI pursue precision, but their understanding and narratives are limited to the info provided by the individuals around them. This dependency on human input raises existential concerns about the fallibility of human memory and the fragility of identity.

Cinematic Approach
Almereyda's technique is understated yet profound. The settings make love - mostly confined within the family home - which magnifies the movie's exploration of human feeling. The futuristic aspects are discreetly woven into the story, grounding the movie securely within the realm of speculative fiction. There are no over-the-top display of holographic interfaces or fancy AI capabilities. The innovation in "Marjorie Prime" is, instead, a peaceful but upsetting existence that raises profound philosophical questions.

Vital Reception
"Marjorie Prime" was met critical acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative, compelling efficiencies, and deft handling of complicated themes. It won the Sloan Feature Film Prize at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival for its depiction of styles merging science and technology with human relationships.

Conclusion
"Marjorie Prime" is essentially a poignant, cerebral movie that integrates the unique principle of AI personalities with a deeply human drama. Its near-future narrative digs deep into the essence of memory, identity, and personal relationships, forcing viewers to confront disturbing existential questions while appreciating the film's psychological depth.

Top Cast

  • Geena Davis (small)
    Geena Davis
    Tess
  • Hannah Gross (small)
    Hannah Gross
    Young Marjorie
  • Jon Hamm (small)
    Jon Hamm
    Walter
  • India Reed Kotis
    Young Tess (as India Kotis)
  • Leslie Lyles (small)
    Leslie Lyles
    Mrs. Salveson
  • Cashus Muse
    Bartender
  • Tim Robbins (small)
    Tim Robbins
    Jon
  • Hana Colley
    2nd Generation Marjorie, Age 10 (as Hana May Colley)
  • Lois Smith (small)
    Lois Smith
    Marjorie
  • Azumi Tsutsui (small)
    Azumi Tsutsui
    2nd Generation Marjorie, Age 30
  • Bill Walters (small)
    Bill Walters
    Old Jon (as W.A. Walters)