Foe (2023) – Review and Summary
Like many Sci fi dramas, especially those lacking action, “Foe” is dry and even with its twist, passable.
General Information
| Director(s) | Garth Davis |
| Screenplay By | Iain Reid, Garth Davis |
| Based On the Book By | Iain Reid |
| Date Released (In Theaters) | October 6, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Drama |
| Film Length | 1 Hour 50 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated R |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Henrietta | Saoirse Ronan |
| Junior | Paul Mescal |
| Terrence | Aaron Pierre |
Content Rating Explanation
“Foe” contains:
- Dialog: periodic cursing
- Violence: A slap and the occasional tussle between Terrence and Junior
- Sexual Content: multiple nude scenes and sexual situations
- Miscellaneous: drinking and smoking
Film Summary
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Henrietta and Junior live out in the Midwest in the year 2065. At this point, rain is scarce, humans have fully launched plans to abandon the planet, and AI and self-driving cars exist. However, on their isolated farm, while climate change is apparent and the news is nothing but a string of horror stories, Henrietta and Junior have peace.
Then Terrence, a representative of Outermore, shows up and pushes the idea Junior has no choice but to work in space, with the government able to force him. Now, what of Henrietta? Well, a duplicate of Junior would be made to keep her company.
Thus leaving us to watch Terrence interview both to form the perfect Junior, and we see Junior counting his days, pondering if maybe he should abandon the home that has been in his family for generations so he can continue being with his wife, uninterrupted by some government entity or contractor.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Henrietta
A pianist who one time wanted to explore the world, she handed her fate over to Junior, who, wanting to follow family traditions, didn’t want to go anywhere or stray from what he knew. So, Henrietta resigned herself to following his lead.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Lady Bird,” their role in “Brooklyn,” and their role in “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Junior
The owner of one of the few farms that still exist in the area, while Junior may not work the land, he has a job, as does Henrietta, to make ends meet. But, thanks to Terrence, while Junior may have liked and wanted a simple life, with the impression he is about to lose his autonomy, the idea of going on the run appeals to him.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Aftersun.”
Terrence
Terrence is a representative of Outermore who is tasked with interviewing Junior and Henrietta to make the perfect replacement for when Junior heads up into space.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Brother.”
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
Terrence And The Question Of Whether He Is Telling The Truth
There is a certain level of chemistry between Terrence and Henrietta that is suspicious. Is she having an affair, did she in the past? Why do they get along so well despite being strangers and him being there to prep her husband to be off in space for at least a year?
The question of what’s going on with them is the only consistent bit of intrigue in the film.
On The Fence
The Twist Does Not Save The Movie
“Foe” is a drama first and foremost, and the Sci-fi is mainly from it being in the future with a handful of tech that is expected to be produced. So, for most of the film, there are no thrills or frills, just high school sweethearts seven years in but who have hit a rut.
Now, unfortunately, we don’t see too many highs to get invested in, even as you see them on the path toward healing, which is probably why the twist is supposed to be so major. Yet, it ultimately isn’t.
You can tell by the music it should be major, stirring, and mean something, but it doesn’t. Like most of the movie, you feel like the proverbial CIA agent tapping a video feed, bored, waiting for something to happen rather than being an engaged viewer.
And as for the good moments, they are too far and few. Not that you won’t remember them and wish the film harnessed the moment and made them memorable beyond the tame sex scenes and nudity, but there is so much that goes unsaid that for every good moment, there are fights, silence, questions of whether Terrence is doing something unethical, and too much eclipsing any reason to get invested in Henrietta and Junior staying together.
I’d even say Ronan does too much of the heavy lifting regarding trying to craft some chemistry or interest, and while she is good when it comes to her character’s individual journey, she isn’t so talented she could do the job of two actors to get you invested in their relationship.
Who Is This For?
Those who love dramas set in the future, which don’t employ comedy or action for levity, and just wish to explore the day-to-day of a couple who are going through a disconnect.
Recommendations
If you like this movie, we recommend:
- Humans: One of the best sci-fi drama television shows made, and it stars Gemma Chan.
- S.S: Starring Oscar Winner Ariana DeBose, this sci-fi drama features Americans vs. Russians at the international space station after a nuclear war breaks out between America and the Russians
- See You Yesterday: A young scientist tries to save their older brother by inventing a time machine to keep him from being shot.
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