Cinequest 2021 | "A Hard Problem"; Low-Key Sci-Fi and Deep Conversations Fuel Drama And Introspection
8/12 ForReel Score | 3.5/5 Stars
“The Hard Problem of Consciousness” is likely something we’ve all mused about without knowing the scientific terminology to assign to it. The concept revolves around the difficulty in explaining why physical states have conscious experiences - in other words, what makes us capable of awareness? Which then begs a more universal question, what does it mean to be human? A Hard Problem is a low-key sci-fi feature from directing duo known as hazart that tells the story of Ian (John Berchtold) with these questions burning in the background of the film’s premise. Making its world premiere at Cinequest 2021, A Hard Problem leverages interesting world and character building to deliver a unique sci-fi experience.
A Hard Problem takes place in a seemingly not-so-distant future in the wake of Ian’s mother’s passing. Ian now resides alone in their isolated upscale home in the forest, tasked with packing up his mother’s belongings. When he is visited by IT specialist Olivia (Catherine Haena Kim), conversations ensue about purpose, identity, life, and death as Ian comes to terms with the impending end of his own lifespan.
The first third of the film plays out like a mystery thriller. Fragments of information make audiences question who Ian is and why he is treated so differently. It’s a quality Black Mirror episode in the making, and building the world along with the plot is fun and engaging. But answers fall into place relatively early on in the film, and once they do, the mystery thriller facade gives way to a more drama-oriented narrative. Limited settings and one on one discussions become the primary focus of the story from there, and this is where A Hard Problem thrives.
Catherine Haena Kim as Olivia in A Hard Problem
There are times, though, when the script - and thus the delivery of lines - feels stiff. It’s most noticeable and most distracting when dialogue is used to fill in plot background and side stories. This stiffness in the script, however, dissipates in that latter half of the film when the dialogue is more about exploring the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the characters. These are the conversations that bring life to the whole project, in addition to the intimate yet ominous atmosphere and tone.
How the A Hard Problem resolves isn’t as mind-bending or revelatory as one might expect from the opening, so avoiding Black Mirror-like expectations is a wise way to approach the viewing experience. But the film is highly introspective, and this is what seems to be the ultimate goal of A Hard Problem. Although it avoids addressing The Hard Problem of Consciousness directly, the concept is a fascinating lens to utilize while learning about and understanding the motivations and intentions of the characters that populate the story, especially Ian and the unique perspective his character offers. If you appreciate those kinds of conversations in cinema, then A Hard Problem might just be your cup of tea - a little reference that will make sense when you see the movie.
Acting and Casting - 1 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 1 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference - 2 | What does this mean?