The Giver

Another wearisome, dystopian, bleak landscape, where “sameness” is genetically manufactured; one blessed, or more aptly cursed, with memories of a world long erased; a world where freedom of choice allowed individuals license to thrive or wither. The archival “giver” (depicted gloomily by Jeff Bridges) is sequestered in a home, tottering on the edge of existence; relegated to burdensome guru, instructor of disciple “Jonas” (Brenton Thwaites) in the vicissitudes that created the bland, controlled, emotionless milieu they now inhabit. A mysterious anomaly; why bother with a “giver”, tweaking his curiosity, when all it can lead to is insurrection?

Based on the 1993 novel by Lois Lowry, “The Giver” redolent with “Divergent” themes; preordained professions; ubiquitously observed by the controllers ( Meryl Streep is laughable at the wizened, Repunzel -haired “Chief Elder”) of a society terrified by misfits, those who innately realize that something is amiss in their scripted, fabricated lives.

Post- apocalyptic films have invaded movie screens in recent years; granted the flawed, war-infused reality of the twenty- first century, leads to yearning for a better understanding, acceptance of a globally diverse community; but these scary, didactic scenarios offer chimerical, desultory solutions; hope, happiness, of the many, crucified on a cross of ineluctable, decisions by the few.

TWO STARS!!

Peneflix