[WithSerenitynow on Blu-ray and DVD, we’re reposting this explainer.
As I said inmy review,Serenityis not the film youre expecting.
I think thats pretty great.
That being said, its not enough to simply shock the audience.
The question we have to look at withSerenitys twist is Does it work?
and I believe that, for the most part, it does.
Image via Aviron Pictures
And yet that leap ends up giving far more weight to the overall story.
I agree that its a bonkers twist, and it recontextualizes the rest of the movie.
Its weird that most of the plot points in Patricks game seem drawn from a sleazy B-movie.
Image via Aviron Pictures
But a novel wouldnt quite fit in a story about choice.
Video games present the fascinating paradox of choice and compulsion.
The player has choice, but the avatar must follow the players decision.
Image via Aviron Pictures
In a novel, theres only one choice and only one path.
Writer-directorSteven Knightpicked the right medium for Patrick because it tells us about Patricks means of expression.
And that means of expression is surprisingly sad.
Image via Aviron Pictures
For all the control the video game gives Patrick, hes a kid who has no control.
He doesnt have the control to protect himself or Karen or bring his dad back from the dead.
For some, the twist inSerenityis a bridge too far.
You cant go from an overwrought thriller to aBlack Mirrorepisode.
