‘Infinite’ — Review
A battle for the future of humanity waged by those who are unlike humans
Courtesy of Paramount+
What would you do if one day someone told you that you’re immortal? Would you go sky diving, travel everywhere you’ve dreamed of, or would you join an organization trying to save the world? Most people would likely say they would like to travel or learn as much as they can from lifetime to lifetime. However, if you’re Mark Wahlberg’s character, you’re forced to choose the latter.
Plot Background
Courtesy of Peter Mountain/Paramount+, Inc
Mark Wahlberg plays Evan McCauley, who is blessed with knowledge and skills he has no recollection of learning. He’s haunted by memories of places and events he does not actually remember occurring. Due to his hallucinations, he self-medicates believing that he is a schizophrenic on the edge of another mental breakdown. After suffering a mental hallucination that lands him in jail, he is tracked down by a group calling themselves the “Infinites”.
They reveal that his memories are not only real but are from his past lives. As they unveil their astonishing world and history to him, they explain that a handful of humans have a gift allowing them to be reborn. Furthermore, a select group of these immortals has banned together to amalgamate their knowledge and memories over their reoccurring lives to help humanity.
Evan learns that a key secret to keeping the human race alive is locked inside his memories. He must work alongside the “Infinites” to unlock his memories while racing against one of their own, Bathurst, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Courtesy of Paramount+
Spoiler Free Review — Barry’s Bites Rating = 7.7
‘Infinite’ is a dazzling display of special effects combined with a theme most audiences believe would be an unimaginable gift, immortality. It leans on its action scenes to keep audiences entertained while attempting to fill the gaps by educating the “chosen one” about the “Infinites”.
Simultaneously, the history the characters share solely revolves around good versus evil. One side believes the human race can be saved through the culmination of knowledge throughout lifetimes. The other side is tired of immortality and realizes that if no humans exist then there will be no other bodies for them to be reborn into.
Courtesy of Peter Mountain/Paramount+
The war is the centrepiece that Evan McCauley finds himself forced into as the “chosen one”. It’s a simplistic plot trope, which has been used in countless movies. Some would say it has run its course as a plot device. However, if you’re looking to make a high-budget action movie then it’s an easy fallback.
Since this is an action movie first, the plot is subservient to the action. This is the kind of movie where there’s an action scene around every corner. Its goal is to entertain, not be critically acclaimed for the depth of the plot. That doesn’t mean that it’s not a good movie per se. Much like the ‘Fast and Furious’ series or ‘Mission Impossible’ series, it’s a great action movie. It is sure to wow audiences with stunts and graphics, but don’t expect to take away much else from the movie.
Courtesy of Paramount+
All of that being said, it’s an interesting concept for a movie to dive into. One that is similar to ‘Altered Carbon’ but in a modern setting and brings its own nuances to the concept. All of the actors played the parts they were brought on for and executed very well. The issue lies, as always, with the plot working in tandem with the dialogue. The movie should’ve dived deeper into the struggle between good and evil instead of skimming the surface. This leaves an impression that this movie is all about the conflict instead of the historical achievements of the “Infinites”.
For these reasons, it landed a 7.7 rating from Barry’s Bites. If you’re looking for an entertaining new movie, check out the trailer for “Infinite” below.
