Ultraviolet (2006) Movie Review
A Stylish but Flawed Sci-Fi Action Flick
Ultraviolet (2006) is a sci-fi action film directed by Kurt Wimmer, starring Milla Jovovich as the titular character. Set in a dystopian future, the film attempts to blend stylish visuals with high-octane action, but ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative. Despite its shortcomings, Ultraviolet has garnered a cult following for its distinctive style and ambitious concept.
Plot Summary
The film is set in the late 21st century, where a subculture of humans has emerged after being infected with a genetically engineered virus, turning them into superhuman beings with enhanced physical abilities. These infected individuals, known as “hemophages,” are hunted by the government, led by the tyrannical Vice Cardinal Ferdinand Daxus (Nick Chinlund), who fears their potential to overthrow human society.
Violet Song Jat Shariff (Milla Jovovich), a hemophage with extraordinary combat skills, is on a mission to protect her kind from extermination. She infiltrates a government facility and steals a weapon designed to eliminate the hemophages. However, she discovers that the weapon is a young boy named Six (Cameron Bright), who holds the key to a cure for the virus. As Violet forms an unlikely bond with Six, she must protect him from Daxus and his forces while unraveling the truth behind the government’s sinister plans.
Performance and Direction
Milla Jovovich delivers a strong performance as Violet, embodying the character’s fierce determination and combat prowess. Jovovich’s physicality and presence anchor the film, making her a compelling lead despite the thinly developed script. Her portrayal of Violet adds a layer of depth to an otherwise one-dimensional character, showcasing her ability to carry action-oriented roles with conviction.
Nick Chinlund plays the villainous Daxus with a sinister charm, though his character lacks the complexity and depth needed to make him a truly memorable antagonist. Cameron Bright as Six provides a sense of vulnerability and innocence, creating a contrast to Violet’s hardened warrior persona.
Director Kurt Wimmer attempts to create a visually striking film with a unique aesthetic. His use of color, lighting, and CGI aims to craft a futuristic, comic book-like world. However, while the visuals are ambitious, they often come across as overly stylized and artificial, detracting from the film’s overall impact. Wimmer’s direction focuses heavily on action sequences, which are choreographed with a blend of martial arts and gunplay, but these scenes sometimes lack coherence and fluidity.
Cinematography and Special Effects
The cinematography by Arthur Wong emphasizes bold color contrasts and sleek, futuristic settings. The film employs a heavy use of CGI to create its dystopian world, resulting in a highly stylized visual experience. However, the overreliance on digital effects often gives the film a video game-like quality, which can be distracting and diminish the sense of realism.
Special effects are central to the film’s action scenes, with slow-motion sequences, gravity-defying stunts, and futuristic weaponry. While some effects are impressive, others appear dated and inconsistent, reflecting the limitations of the film’s budget and the era in which it was made.
Themes and Messages
Ultraviolet explores themes of oppression, resistance, and the quest for identity. The film’s dystopian setting serves as a backdrop for a narrative about the struggle for freedom and the fight against authoritarian control. Violet’s journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, as she navigates her role as a protector and a warrior.
The film also touches on themes of humanity and the ethical implications of genetic engineering. The relationship between Violet and Six highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in a world divided by fear and prejudice.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Ultraviolet was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. Many criticized the film for its incoherent plot, lack of character development, and excessive reliance on visual effects. The dialogue was seen as stilted and cliché, and the film’s pacing was uneven. Despite these criticisms, some praised the film’s ambition and unique visual style, noting that it offered a distinct, if flawed, cinematic experience.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in America, Ultraviolet is available for streaming on the following platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple TV: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
Ultraviolet (2006) is a film that aims high with its ambitious concept and distinctive visual style but ultimately falls short due to its lack of narrative coherence and character development. Milla Jovovich’s performance and the film’s stylistic elements offer some redeeming qualities, making it a curiosity for fans of sci-fi action films and those interested in visually driven storytelling.
While it may not satisfy all viewers, Ultraviolet provides an interesting, if flawed, take on the sci-fi action genre. For those intrigued by its unique aesthetic and action sequences, it is readily available on various streaming platforms.
