Film Review – Peripheral (2018)
Capturing the imagination of the British public, aspiring debut author Bobbi Johnson (played with limited fanfare but obtrusive complexity by Hannah Arterton) has caused all sorts of reactions including riots in the streets.
Despite controversies, her editor wants a second tome.
Bobbi was strung out on drugs writing that best seller and is no longer under the influence, thus inciting writers block.
We soon learn shady editor (Belinda Stewart-Wilson) has a penchant for beauty surgery and hopes of facilitating Bobbi, covertly.
Avoiding technology until now, against her better judgement but with little choice in reality, Bobbi accepts replacing her preferred choice of creating on a classic typewriter to accepting a state-of-the-art computer which may in fact, help her write but with a literal countdown.
The advanced machine takes control of Bobbi, slowly at first then abruptly forcing her to fight for sanity, creativity and sensibility.
Add to that a casual-boyfriend hoping she’ll hold onto a babuska doll full of mysterious pills, a disciple delivering VHS tapes with unnerving content and a somewhat condition turning her hands and feet an ink like shade.
Horror elements, science fiction mystery and a unique exhibition, almost solo performance by exceptional Arterton, a long way from her bright, bubbly sing a long romance, Walking on Sunshine (2014).
Sister of tremendous former Bond girl, Gemma Arterton, this showcase from Hannah is stellar.
Legendary Tom Conti, appears in a significant nice cameo, whilst terrific Rosie Day is significantly darker as Shelly.
In 1984, the computer Edgar, fell in love with his owners’ neighbour making music for her to hear through the walls in retro favourite, Electric Dreams; Bobbi’s computer uses its fibre optics for trance like sex at one point that would probably short circuit Edgar, however, Samantha of, Her (2013) may squeal.
Must see indie, basking in weirdness, Peripheral is inordinate.
★★★★ | Shane A.Bassett
Horror, Sci-Fi | UK, 2018 | 15 | Digital HD | 3rd August 2020 (UK) | Bluefinch Film Releasing | Dir.Paul Hyett | Hannah Arterton, Tom Conti, Rosie Day, Jenny Seagrove, Elliot James Langridge
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