Review of “Flatliners” (2017): An Underwhelming Remake
“Flatliners,” directed by Niels Arden Oplev and released in 2017, is a science fiction psychological horror film that serves as a stand-alone sequel and remake of the 1990 film of the same name. The film stars Elliot Page, Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev, James Norton, and Kiersey Clemons, and follows a group of medical students who conduct dangerous experiments to experience near-death states.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Dr. Courtney Holmes (Elliot Page), who, haunted by the death of her sister, initiates an experiment to explore the afterlife by stopping her heart temporarily. Her colleagues—Ray (Diego Luna), Marlo (Nina Dobrev), Jamie (James Norton), and Sophia (Kiersey Clemons)—soon join in, each hoping to uncover personal insights or redemption. However, their brush with death brings unintended consequences as they start experiencing haunting and disturbing phenomena linked to their past sins.
Performance and Direction
Elliot Page and Diego Luna deliver commendable performances, with Page portraying Courtney’s determination and vulnerability effectively. The ensemble cast has good chemistry, and each actor brings depth to their character’s backstory. Despite this, the film struggles under Niels Arden Oplev’s direction to find a consistent tone, wavering between horror, drama, and sci-fi without fully committing to any.
Cinematography and Production Design
The film’s visuals are polished, with the cinematography capturing the eerie and clinical atmosphere of the medical school and its surroundings. The special effects used to depict the afterlife experiences are technically competent but lack originality, often appearing generic and failing to evoke the necessary sense of awe or dread.
Themes and Symbolism
“Flatliners” explores themes of life, death, guilt, and redemption. The idea of confronting one’s past sins and the moral implications of playing with life and death are central to the narrative. However, these themes are handled superficially, with the film opting for clichés and predictable plot developments over a deeper exploration of its provocative premise.
Critical Reception
The film was met with largely negative reviews. It holds an approval rating of 4% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating overwhelming disapproval. Critics cited the film’s lack of originality, suspense, and depth as major flaws. According to reviews from sources like Roger Ebert and Sounds of Cinema, while the cast’s performances were generally praised, the film’s execution was seen as bland and uninspired, failing to live up to the potential of its intriguing concept.
Streaming Availability
“Flatliners,” the film is available on several streaming platforms in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“Flatliners” (2017) is an underwhelming remake that misses the opportunity to build on its fascinating premise. Despite strong performances from a talented cast, the film’s lack of originality and suspense makes it a forgettable entry in the genre. For those curious about the film, it is accessible on various streaming services, but it may not satisfy viewers looking for a compelling psychological horror experience.
