A controversial horror film that garnered significant attention during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival is set to air on BBC2 this evening. "Crimes of the Future," directed by David Cronenberg and featuring performances from Kristen Stewart and Viggo Mortensen, has been described as not for the faint-hearted due to its graphic content.

The film premiered in 2022 and elicited strong reactions from audiences, with numerous viewers walking out during its screening at Cannes. Despite this, it received praise, culminating in a seven-minute standing ovation and an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's disturbing imagery includes scenes of a disturbing child autopsy, graphic displays of bloody intestines, and interactions among characters that involve licking each other's wounds.

The narrative unfolds in a 'not-too-distant future' where humanity is adapting to a synthetic environment, resulting in new bodily transformations and mutations. The plot centres around Saul Tenser (played by Mortensen), a performance artist who showcases the transformation of his organs as part of his avant-garde performances. His partner Caprice (Léa Seydoux) collaborates with him, while Timlin (Stewart), an investigator from the National Organ Registry, becomes intrigued by their activities, eventually revealing a mysterious group intent on utilising Saul's fame to highlight a new phase of human evolution.

Cronenberg addressed the divisive response to the film, suggesting that walkouts are preferable to audiences being indifferent. In an interview with Variety, he stated, "I mean, the worst thing is if your movie is boring... that would be very depressing." His comments reflect his perspective on the film's polarising nature, acknowledging that some viewers might struggle with its more intense scenes.

"Crimes of the Future" marks Cronenberg's return to the body horror genre, which has characterised much of his earlier work. The film was shot entirely in Greece, accentuating its thematic focus on the evolving human condition as it delves into concepts like Accelerated Evolution Syndrome, wherein characters undergo dramatic biological changes.

With its air time set for 11 PM, BBC2 is presenting a film that has proven to divide opinion among critics and audiences alike, ensuring that it will generate discussions well beyond its initial screening.

Source: Noah Wire Services