Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Cerebrum’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains some spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Cerebrum’. 

​One unfortunate truth that we eventually learn about the universe as we grow older, is that it has no problems shifting gears and taking things away from us instead of giving them to us. Which is something we begin to discover when our parents and older loved ones begin to fade from existence, and as our health and longevity beings to slip away as well. Which is a lesson that prompts us to cherish every moment because they will never come again and to savor the memories that are produced from said moment, since remembrance is something we firmly and incorrectly believe cannot be robbed from us either. 
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For there are illnesses of the mind that can wipe our fondest moments away and eventually, they can rob us of our health. Which is why science is racing to do what it can stop that possibility, so we can in fact, hang onto yesterday for as long as possible. In fact, what they mean to us is so important, that their power pops up in fiction often as well, to the point where creative minds have pondered upon how our world might look and/or change if we could preserve memories beyond death and illness and it just so happens that a recent release from director Arvi Ragu, takes this exploration one step further. For Cerebrum ponders upon what might happen, if we could actually live vicariously through the memories of others, a feat this film accomplishes by offering up one unique plot.

For in this film, we are introduced to a man named Tom Davis, who is going through some tough times financially. To the point where he has decided to head to his brilliant father’s ranch and take up Dr. Kirk Davis’ offer to pay him to take part in an experiment involving memory. But what Tom is unprepared for, is the incredible discovery, that this father has managed to create a device that can clone the mind akin to data and put that ‘data’ onto a disk that can then be inserted into a wearable device. One that allows for the user to see those memories. A device that could in theory, revolutionize health care, provided of course… Tom can protect it. For there are forces that want this invention for nefarious purposes and it will be up to Tom to preserve his father’s legacy and memory in more ways than one, when those very forces end Kirk’s life.

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Which is, an incredibly realistic plot when all is said and done. Because that setup, leads to a grand exploration of how current technology could in fact, make such a device work. Since wearable technology and transferring terabytes of data is no big deal anymore, and the odd realism of this tale, doesn’t end with the science. Because let’s be honest, people would indeed love to get their hands on a device like this and see what life was like for their parents or siblings and of course… people would in fact, try to use this in a negative light and use it for control as evidenced in this film. But while that realism alone could have carried this movie and does make for some powerful moments, this story does have more to offer than mere science fiction.
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For it also has a lot of heart. Because the broken relationship that Tom and Kirk have plays a big part in this story as well, and Tom’s ability to live through his father’s eyes, albeit briefly, allows for him to come to understand his father like never before and forgive him for the sins he committed when Tom was a boy. And that particular plot thread, is clearly designed to serve as some poignant commentary. The kind that serves to remind us that we shouldn’t wait for technology or a grandiose sign to open up to our families and loved ones about our feelings and our decisions and our experiences in life. Because had Kirk done that sooner, and without the help of a digital device, he could have repaired the rift between he and his son ages ago and made incredible memories then.

Which makes this quite the moving film when all is said and done, one that really does remind us to live in the moment and make all the memories we can so that there are no regrets down the line, regardless of what the future holds and that also makes this movie, a fascinating watch for certain. Because it really does offer up some solid science fiction, the kind that could in fact, become a reality and all of those elements truly allow for the viewer to lose themselves in a wondrous world and to top it off, it features some fine performances as well. Since Christian James (Tom) and Anirudh Pisharody (Bhuvanesh) and John Ruby (Reinhard) do a wonderful job of transitioning between the various personalities they host over the course of the film and Alexxis Lemire (Chloe) also deserves a shout out for being the actor that serves as the emotional anchor, so the story never loses sight of what matters. So, if you’re looking for something original and unique to enjoy, give Cerebrum a shot, since it truly does offer up a story unlike any other.

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