“Are you content?” It's a haunting question that echoes throughout the newest trailer for Michael Tyburski's indie sci-fi romance Turn Me On. Set against the backdrop of an eerily placid dystopia, the film imagines a future where human emotions are chemically suppressed by a daily government-mandated vitamin. Yet, amidst the numbness, sparks of rebellion ignite when one young couple dares to feel again.
Bel Powley stars as Joy, a woman trapped in the monotony of a life devoid of emotion. Her existence is dictated by sterile routines until she skips her dose of the emotion-suppressing vitamin. What unfolds is a journey through uncharted emotional terrain—love, anger, ecstasy, and sorrow—as Joy and her partner William, played by Nick Robinson, grapple with what it truly means to be alive. Supporting performances from Justin H. Min, Griffin Newman, Nesta Cooper, Patti Harrison, and D'Arcy Carden lend depth to this exploration of reawakened humanity.
Director Michael Tyburski, known for The Sound of Silence, returns with a second feature that delves into the intersections of emotion, control, and resistance. The screenplay, penned by Angela Bourassa, offers a poignant narrative that feels both timeless and contemporary. The film premiered at the 2024 San Sebastian Film Festival, garnering attention for its evocative premise. Already released in the UK by Signature Entertainment, Turn Me On will make its U.S. debut via Vertical on January 10, 2025.
Visually, Turn Me On juxtaposes the sterile aesthetics of its dystopian world with the vibrancy of newfound emotions. The cold, muted tones of the emotionless society are shattered by bursts of color as Joy and William embrace their humanity. The cinematography mirrors their emotional awakening, creating a sensory experience that is as thought-provoking as it is visually striking.
While the film invites comparisons to past sci-fi romances like Equals (2015) and even The Giver (2014), it offers a unique perspective on the cost of conformity and the power of love. The narrative's strength lies not in its novelty but in its earnest exploration of universal truths: the messiness of emotions, the inevitability of pain, and the undeniable beauty of connection.
Personal Impressions:
Turn Me On is a cinematic paradox: both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the human spirit. Bel Powley delivers a performance brimming with vulnerability and strength, embodying Joy's transformation with authenticity. Nick Robinson complements her with a quiet intensity that underscores the film's themes. While some might argue that the premise treads familiar ground, the film's emotional depth and visual storytelling make it a compelling watch.
As someone who cherishes films that delve into the complexities of human emotion, Turn Me On resonates deeply. Its philosophical musings on the price of contentment versus the chaos of true feeling linger long after the credits roll. It's a reminder that to feel—even to hurt—is to live.
Would you embrace a world without emotions for the promise of peace, or do you believe the chaos of feeling is essential to our humanity? Share your thoughts below!
