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Surge

Play trailer Poster for Surge Released Sep 24, 2021 1h 45m Mystery & Thriller Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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79% Tomatometer 56 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Joseph (Ben Whishaw) is trapped in a soulless job, living a life devoid of emotion and meaning. After an impulsive act of rebellion, Joseph unleashes a wilder version of himself. He is propelled on a reckless journey through London, ultimately experiencing what it feels like to be alive. Premiered at Sundance and Berlinale.
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Surge

Surge

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Critics Consensus

Discomfiting by design, Surge will wear some viewers down -- but Ben Whishaw's mesmerizing performance keeps the action gripping even when it's hard to take.

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Critics Reviews

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Tim Cogshell FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles) An intense and engaging film from its first shaky, shaky frames. Sep 29, 2021 Full Review K. Austin Collins Rolling Stone The intensity of Surge's scattered, myopic realism isn't for naught. Even with its familiar visual and dramatic approach, the movie packs an odd little punch. Sep 28, 2021 Full Review Alexandra Heller-Nicholas The Blue Lenses What Surge achieves most impressively of all is how it pulls us into the sensory experience of being completely overwhelmed to the point where it untethers Joseph from reality entirely Sep 27, 2021 Full Review Daryl MacDonald InSession Film Surge is worthwhile viewing for the state of tension it can inspire in an audience...anyone who enjoys the manic formula the Safdie’s have perfected will likely find much to like here. Rated: B Apr 26, 2024 Full Review Nuha Hassan Flip Screen ‘Surge’ is honest, and just like its title, the movie rushes and pours the emotions of a man that wants to be set free of the mundane world that he lives in into the mental and physical uneasiness of his perspective. Rated: 4/5 Jul 20, 2023 Full Review Dallas King Flick Feast Fuelled by an incredible performance from Whishaw, this is an unrelenting and exhausting experience. One that grabs a hold of you and forces you to witness the birth of a major new talent in British filmmaking. Rated: 4/5 Nov 12, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Scott G This film is WILD! Not always the easiest watch but it's bold and provocative in a way that is reminiscent of the great auteur films of the 70s. For me Ben Whishaw gives the performance of his career! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/01/23 Full Review Stephen C Very difficult to watch but mesmerizing performance by Ben Whishaw makes it worthwhile. Excellent supporting cast as well. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/08/23 Full Review ira m Good performances but such a bleak and depressing subject it is reserved for the most dysfunctional and disturbed people. No entertainment or insightful story line here. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 10/01/23 Full Review Arthur D Disjointed movie and makes no sense. Do bother to watch this; your time could be spent in better ways. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 09/11/23 Full Review Ash L If you like films that are rooted in emotions as a plot (or The plot, in fact), this is for you. It's incredibly uncomfortable to watch but mesmerising at the same time. Ben Whishaw's performance kept me absolutely glued to the screen right until the very end. Freedom within the structure! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/15/23 Full Review Liz B I have watched this film several times. I think it is amazing. Ben Whishaws performance is faultless as he spins into a psychosis. The handheld camera work is soooo good, catching every inflection of its main character, Joseph. No-one around him seems to pickup on the fact that he is in desperate need of help as he lurches from one situation to another. I watch, spellbound every time I view it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/28/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Surge

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Movie Info

Synopsis Joseph (Ben Whishaw) is trapped in a soulless job, living a life devoid of emotion and meaning. After an impulsive act of rebellion, Joseph unleashes a wilder version of himself. He is propelled on a reckless journey through London, ultimately experiencing what it feels like to be alive. Premiered at Sundance and Berlinale.
Director
Aneil Karia
Producer
Julia Godzinskaya, Sophie Vickers
Screenwriter
Aneil Karia, Rupert Jones, Rita Kalnejais
Distributor
FilmRise
Production Co
BBC Films, Rooks Nest Entertainment, British Film Institute
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 24, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 25, 2021
Runtime
1h 45m
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