Equals

Set in a sterile, post-apocalyptic society that is known as The Collective, this dark dystopian melodrama depicts a seemingly utopian world without violence, crime, or war—because human emotions have been genetically eliminated (and coupling is outlawed). Those who exhibit “Switched On Syndrome” or SOS are forcibly subjected to emotion inhibitors at the D.E.N. (Defective Emotional Neuropathy) or banished to a wasteland known as the Peninsula. Expressionless Nia (Kristen Stewart) and Silas (Nicholas Hoult) work side-by-side, like robotic drones, illustrating and publishing “speculative nonfiction” centered on revisionist history, set before the devastating nuclear war that decimated civilization. Equipped with scanner-chip implants, they dwell in individual antiseptic cells, eating solitary meals that are delivered electronically. Periodically, their serenity is disrupted by “suicide jumpers,” whose anguish only elicits apathy. When they ultimately find themselves sexually attracted to one another, their lust and love propels them into forbidden territory. Fortunately, an underground SOS support group exists, led by Jonas (Guy Pearce). Unfortunately, the couple's suspicious behavior has been observed and Nia is summoned as a “breeder”—just as she discovers that she's pregnant. Director Drake Doremus's Equals is a formulaic conformity tale built around a melancholy relationship that fails to ignite much interest. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary (by director Drake Doremus, cinematographer John Guleserian, and editor Jonathan Alberts), the production featurettes “Utopia” (30 min.), “The Collective” (14 min.), and “Switched On” (8 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a lackluster sci-fi drama.] (S. Granger)