The new world of bio-medical life extension is explored in director
Damir Lukaecevic's new film, Transfer.
Here, customers with the financial means can extend their lives by transferring
their mind into the bodies of fit young people. An idea that would seem radical
is brought to life by a creative and unique screenplay that is smart and
sensible.
Let me first say that Transfer
is a foreign film; the languages are for the most part a mixture between French
and German. While the foreign film label may discourage people from seeing this
movie, I can say that the languages add to the film.
The film begins with a consultation session for potential clients Herman
and Anna (Hans Michael Rehberg and Ingrid Andree), a prestigious German couple
entering their golden years. While both have ethical concerns about the
procedure, Herman is deeply worried by his wife's failing health and both fear
the day that death will separate them. Anna's ailing health pushes the couple
to move forward with the operation. She and Herman soon return to Menzana and
commit to purchasing the bodies of Apolain and Sarah (B.J. Britt and Regine
Nehy), two refugees from Africa who have been specially selected for their
compatibility with the body and brain chemistry of the aging couple. Under the
conditions of the transfer, Herman and Anna have use of their new bodies for 20
hours a day. When they sleep, their hosts Apolain and Sarah return to
consciousness and are able to use their own bodies for a period of four hours. Sounds interesting, right?
The movie brings back a missing element from Sci-Fi's past. The love
story presented is central to all the main characters, and this unusual touch
is a nice change from today's alien killing and gut-busting stories. While the plot
has a mostly serious tone, there is some clever comedic relief tied into the dialogue.
What also helps the story flow is the choice, by Anna and Herman, to go with
African-American hosts. This gives the story more of a real feel because you
see how the two are treated differently by their friends.
Overall, Transfer makes for a
good film to see at a film festival. The idea is new, fresh and interesting. If
you're an advocate of foreign, sci-fi films then this is one you should check out.
