Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Tangle’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

We live in a genuinely interesting time when it comes to cinema. Simply because just about everyone has figured out what makes an audience happy, and that’s allowed for slick production after slick production to hit the market and that’s not exactly a bad thing. Because we really are treated to some dynamic and exciting films on a regular basis, the kind that either wow us with their stunning visuals or move us emotionally by way of powerful moments. But while we are indeed seeing cinema at its best right now, there is one particular drawback to this era of perfectly manufactured storytelling.
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In that, not everyone is keen on taking storytelling risks anymore, and that is unfortunate. Because it was risk and bold decisions that brought cinema to where it is today and not being wowed or blown away by stories that push the envelope anymore does make the viewing experience a little too comfortable at times. To the point where we find ourselves hoping to see someone try something new and dynamic, in order to change things up. But thankfully, those types of films are indeed still out there, mostly on the indie market, and recently, this reviewer had the opportunity to enjoy a science fiction film that manages to try something new and exciting in a marketplace where crowd pleasing is the norm in The Tangle.

Now in this particular film, we are transported into the future, where technology has finally solved all of mankind’s problems. Because thanks to the wonder of nanotechnology, humanity is finally able to live in relative peace and harmony and prosperity. For hunger and war and murder are a thing of the past. But sadly, there is something sinister brewing beneath the surface of this utopian society. For one fine day, the pristine nature of this world is shattered by way of the first murder in decades. An act that has a pair of guardians of this precious peace, gravely concerned. Because the only way a murder can occur now, is if the source of this brave new world has deemed it so, and now it will be up to them to figure out if their paradise is about to fall… at the hands of a creator that has grown bored with a status quo.

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Which is a plot that at first glance, doesn’t appear to be focused on pushing the envelope since that is something that echoes the wonder of Blade Runner and other sci-fi tales, and oddly enough, once you dive into this movie, those echoes grow louder for certain. Since the cars we see and the cities were man lives, appear to be ripped out of Ridley Scott’s movie and the subsequent sequel. But the decision to go that particular route is clearly part of a master storytelling plan. For you see, sucking us into a familiar world where technology has seemingly run amuck, is designed to not only pay homage to the classics, but to also make the audience comfortable and relaxed, so that writer/director Christopher Soren Kelly can stun us with quite the storytelling surprise.
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Because just like that, this dystopian science fiction drama, transforms itself into a futuristic noir. One grounded in the wonder of steampunk and Mickey Spillane and that really is something that is quite surprising to see play out here. Mainly because, mashing together genres is a big no-no in the industry, since that can allow for a story to lose sight of what it wants to accomplish. But here, it is designed to create a fascinating commentary for the viewer to chew upon. One that more or less laments how we use technology to solve our problems, instead of working to fix the fundamental issues of our society. Which is problematic, since not addressing said issues allows for them to persist and find new ways to thrive and that makes this particular movie quite the cerebral adventure when all is said done.

One that genuinely takes you off guard with its originality and it also manages to suck you into this story by offering up an incredibly intricate and compelling mystery. One that relates to the commentary in question in a magnificent and smooth manner and how that comes together exactly, is something we won’t spoil here. Simply because, you need to see this film and how all of these elements come together. For this this really is quite the unique ride, one that resurrects an old genre in the most creative way imaginable. So, if you’re looking for something different and you’d like to enjoy a film that both entertains and leaves you with something more, then give this one a look. You’ll be glad you did.   

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