DEVS(2020)

Devs is a science fiction piece that needs to be savored. Hinging on themes of determinism, free will, and commentary on Tech Worship Devs, probes the blurred boundaries of human and machine consciousness.

Devs frames technology within a religious context. Forrest is a tech fanatic who believes in determinism to avoid taking responsibility for his own self-inflicted trauma and guilt.

Devs probes the central philosophical question of free will and determinism. The show's thesis point lies in its abject rejection of determinism that erodes moral responsibility and empties human life of significance.

Interestingly, Devs is a morality play set within the Tech Space of San Francisco. Many tech companies, like Facebook, seek to absolve their responsibility and abuse power, and irrevocably impact the world in its wake.

It's a pointed commentary that feels timely with the rise of AI models, replicating art (Studio Ghibli pics, Wes Anderson AI films, AI actors) and its uncanniness and inhumanity towards the human commitment and spirit.

Devs are wary of the idea of accepting the status quo and accepting things the way they are. Forrest is unable to figure out a better alternative because he is unable to get over his trauma.

It feels like a contemporary mirror image of modern science fiction in pop culture, unable to imagine better futures. Devs is a piece of this shared idea in its exploration of technology and science fiction.

Devs is Alex Garland at his most unrestrained- a work laden with bold science fiction ideas and intellectual ambition. The result's nothing short of brilliant.

Technically, Devs foregrounds its surreal science fiction atmosphere in the tangible world of San Francisco's Silicon Valley. Visually, Devs feels hypnotic, emphasizing precision, symmetry, and stillness.

The lighting contrast in Devs with gold and amber tones in the Devs lab emphasizes the religious aspect, while the muted lighting of outer San Francisco emphasizes the sterility of the tech world.

The acting conveys montone, understated, and emotionally restrained, lending to the cerebral storytelling. The technological surrealist editing contributes to the metaphysical ideas of Devs, rendering an abstract reflection on determinism, faith, and control.

The otherworldly score is defined through its ambience, electronic and choral chants lending the show a trippy mood. The striking sound design, intertwined with the score, blends mechanical hums and low-frequency hums, highlighting technology's omnipresence.

The immaculate production design juxtaposes the sterility of the tech world with the lived-in realism of Silicon Valley. The cast conveys stardom, fit, and minimalist emotional expression.

The arresting visual effects contribute to the surrealism and unreality of the world. It's elegant and subtle. Overall, Devs is a fascinating meditation of themes of determinism and free will, rounded with high-concept ideas.

Writing: 9/10

Direction: 10/10

Cinematography: 9/10

Acting: 9/10

Editing: 9/10

Score: 9/10

Sound: 9/10

Prod Design: 8/10

Casting: 8/10

Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 8.8/10