The sci-fi thriller 65, starring Adam Driver, promises an intriguing adventure filled with time travel and dinosaurs. However, its troubled production and lack of marketing have left audiences skeptical. While the film falls short of its thrilling potential, it still manages to offer moments of excitement and a committed performance by Driver.
Review
Despite its intriguing premise and Driver's involvement, 65 fails to live up to its initial promise. The film, shot two years ago, has faced numerous delays and a lack of promotion, raising concerns about its quality. However, it is not as disastrous as the circumstances might suggest. Although it suffers from a messy narrative and missed opportunities, it remains a moderately entertaining watch.
The film starts on shaky ground, with a rushed opening sequence that skips important character development due to the logistical constraints of the two-person narrative. Once Driver's character, Mills, crash-lands on a mysterious planet inhabited by dinosaurs, the story gains momentum. Mills teams up with a fellow survivor, played by Ariana Greenblatt, as they navigate treacherous terrain in search of an escape pod.
While the survival aspect of the film is engaging in short bursts, it fails to deliver the thrilling experience that audiences anticipated. Driver's committed performance lends some credibility to the proceedings, and there are moments of genuine tension. However, the film falls short of fully embracing its potential for a wild, B-movie adventure.
One notable flaw is the reliance on jump scares, which become repetitive and lose their impact. The script, written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (known for their work on A Quiet Place), lacks the same level of suspense and creativity that made their previous film successful. The final act offers some redemption, as the filmmakers lean into the absurdity of their premise and introduce more excitement. However, this shift comes too late to salvage the overall experience.
Conclusion
While 65 falls short of its potential as an exhilarating sci-fi thriller, it manages to deliver sporadic moments of entertainment. Adam Driver's committed performance and the film's occasional bursts of tension make it watchable. However, its troubled production history and missed opportunities prevent it from becoming the thrilling adventure it aspired to be. Despite its flaws, fans of Driver or dinosaur-themed movies may still find some enjoyment in this flawed yet passable entry in the genre.
65 (2023) - info
- Release date: March 10, 2023
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi
- Director: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
- Writers: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
- Stars: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, Chloe Coleman