Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Sensation’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Sensation’.
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For the most part, the vast majority of us know where we come from. Because we grow up in a household where our parents are able to introduce us to our family history. Allowing for us to discover all kinds of fascinating facts about the people that brought our parents into existence and  that’s important for us to learn… simply because it helps us to understand what our family stands for and its overall contributions to history and the world. But while so many of us enjoy that learning experience growing up… there was mention of the fact that a minority exists when it comes to this particular discovery.
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Because sadly, not everyone gets to know their parents or their lineage, and for a long time… anyone that did want to know such matters, had to do some incredible digging. But thankfully, technology has made that particular search far more amicable, since now there are DNA tests and genealogy sites that can shine a great deal of light on those in the dark about their family’s history, and they can even help everyone else that has learned about their family's past... dive deeper into it, than ever before. But like anything, this comes with a risk. Since it can reveal facts about our genetic line that perhaps we didn’t expect to or want to uncover and of course, there are always people looking to take advantage of innocent folks that are desperate for answers, and it just so happens, that this reviewer had the opportunity to enjoy a unique motion picture that explores those exact negative elements in Sensation.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a man named Andrew, who is eager to learn more about his family history. Simply because, his mother has told him little about his father and where the family lineage hails from, and that motivates Andrew to visit a DNA research company in the hopes of finally getting some understanding of his heritage. But instead of being surprised by all kinds of fascinating facts about his family's history, Andrew is stunned for a vastly different reason when the test results come back. For he comes to learn that his genetic code makes his body open to the possibility that he could harness his senses in an incredible manner, motivating a secret society of scientists/warriors to bring him to a secure location to train him and hone this skill set, a move that will change Andrew’s life in ways he never thought possible.

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So, it’s best we get this out in the open right now and inform you of the fact that this is one of those motion pictures that likes to toy with the audience’s mind. Because nothing is quite what it seems in this movie, something that is largely attributed to the film’s premise. Since Andrew’s quest to master his senses, allows for fantastical situations to come to life. The kind that genuinely leaves you wondering if what is happening to Andrew is an actual event, or a manipulation of his senses and all of these moments are important to point out… simply because this is something that could turn some viewers off. Especially ones that are looking for the story to be straight forward and open with the audience. But there is a rhyme and reason to this fascinating little twist, in that… everything that happens to Andrew in this movie is designed to make it a cautionary tale.
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One that serves to remind us, to really do our homework and exercise caution when we are seeking out agencies that help us to uncover the truth. Because not everyone out there has noble or honest intentions, and they’re eager to make a quick buck… at the expense of a 'client' they can manipulate. And while this movie goes to extremes to hammer home that particular point, it is an effective in doing so. Since it becomes clear, that if Andrew had taken a moment to do a little research in regard to this mysterious company and the individuals offering so much help, he never would have faced the incredible trouble that finds him in this tale. Plus, it is also obvious that this movie wants to remind us that sometimes our reliance on technology can be an unhealthy thing, since it too helps to make Andrew prey in this tale, for his complete and utter trust in this program and its fancy toys, add to his vulnerability.

In the end however, all of these elements make this a different kind of film for certain. One that is eager to toy with the normal structure of cinema in order to tell a unique and fascinating tale. One that keeps the viewer guessing whilst entertaining them with outlandish concepts and titillating visuals and that does make this an engaging watch when all is said and done. Simply because you can never go wrong with a motion picture that is eager to try something new storytelling wise and this one does that for certain. So, if you’re in the mood for a different kind of viewing experience, one that takes you on an unexpected ride and is full of all kinds of intriguing twist and turns, then do give Sensation a look.

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