The first trailer has been released for Crimes of the Future, the highly-anticipated next feature from filmmaker David Cronenberg (The Fly, Scanners, Eastern Promises, A History of Violence).
Cronenberg reunites with Eastern Promises and A History of Violence star Viggo Mortensen for this sci-fi horror film, with a lead cast that also includes Léa Seydoux and Kristen Stewart. Set in a world where the human race has adapted further to a synthetic environment, the film has Mortensen playing a celebrity performance artist who, alongside his partner Caprice (Seydoux), publicly showcases the metamorphosis of his organs in avant-garde performances. Stewart plays Timlin, a National Organ Registry investigator who is obsessively tracking their movements when a mysterious group is unveiled. The group intends to use Saul’s notoriety to shed light on the next phase of human evolution.
A striking first look at the film below, teasing a disturbing film that harkens back to some of Cronenberg’s earlier work. With that plot, it’s clear that Cronenberg has the right canvas to tackle some extreme body horror – and early word confirms as much ahead of its premiere at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, where Crimes of the Future will be screening in competition. Website World of Reel reportedly spoke to one of the international programmers who managed to see the film early. If what that person says is true, Cronenberg’s return to sci-fi will certainly not be for the faint of heart.
“I cannot say much, obviously, but if people thought “Crash” was divise back in 1996, this is going to create way more chaos and controversy for sure. The last twenty minutes are a very tough sit. I expect walk-outs, faintings and real panic attacks (I almost had one myself!) at the Lumière theatre. No hyperbole, I promise.”
Crimes of the Future will be released theatrically in the U.S. sometime in June. Specific release dates to be announced.
Extended synopsis for Crimes of the Future:
Taking a deep dive into the not-so-distant future where humankind is learning to adapt to its synthetic surroundings. This evolution moves humans beyond their natural state and into a metamorphosis, altering their biological makeup. While some embrace the limitless potential of trans-humanism, others attempt to police it. Either way, ‘Accelerated Evolution Syndrome’ is spreading fast. Saul Tenser [played by Viggo Mortensen] is a beloved performance artist who has embraced Accelerated Evolution Syndrome, sprouting new and unexpected organs in his body. Along with his partner Caprice [played by Léa Seydoux], Tenser has turned the removal of these organs into a spectacle for his loyal followers to marvel at in real time theatre. But with both the government and a strange subculture taking note, Tenser is forced to consider what would be his most shocking performance of all.
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