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The year “2024” may sound like a stutter or a typo, but it holds a futuristic quality that has captivated the film industry more than other years in the future.
It is generally believed that humans will not be doing well by that time, either due to our destructive behavior towards the planet or towards each other. However, there is always the possibility of a savior appearing to change the course of history. Looking at the main events of the past year – rampant capitalism, increasing cruelty towards immigrants and refugees, and more frequent wars – it is evident that we could use some help. When watching movies set in 2024, we are presented with a slideshow of worst-case scenarios, each with a potential escape route. Some filmmakers even intended their work as a warning to take heed and prevent the loss of civilization. And if there is still hope for humanity, perhaps we can learn from the Highlander and pave a way forward.
Beyond the Time Barrier
Edgar G Ulmer, a director known for low-budget films, brought his unique style and cynical perspective to this adventure about time-travel. The movie tackles deep themes of social and economic inequality and the responsibility we have towards each other, despite being made quickly and with limited resources. A pilot from the air force is thrown into a different time and place, landing in the futuristic Citadel, a small community of survivors protected from dangerous mutants. However, as he falls in love with a woman who can read minds, he discovers that things are not as they seem in this supposed utopia. The film’s ending serves as a warning, suggesting that our own destructive actions, such as nuclear weapons testing, have led to the downfall of humanity. It also highlights the slow and apathetic response to environmental issues that continues to be a problem today.
A young boy and his canine companion.
“The year 2024 is depicted on the poster for LQ Jones’s dark and absurd post-apocalyptic comedy as a future that may actually come to pass. However, there is still a sense of disbelief and distance surrounding the journey of Vic, a immoral rapist, and his intelligent and grumpy telepathic dog Blood, through a destroyed world filled with raiders, rogue killer robots, and savage creatures reminiscent of The Hills Have Eyes. Vic is eventually tricked by his next target into what he believes is a refuge underground, only to discover that he will be forced to collect dozens of reproductive samples through electroejaculation every day. This insane satire of the battle between genders speaks volumes about the wild and uncontrolled nature of the 1970s (and what Hollywood was able to get away with during that time) in comparison to our impending present.”
Highlander 2: The Quickening
The follow-up to the Scottish beheading frenzy is a disaster, which is understandable considering that the final version was taken away from director Russell Mulcahy by money-minded individuals who were worried about his ability to make a profit on their investments. However, in the jumble of conflicting storytelling that strays from the traditional story of its predecessor, we discover a vivid representation of corporate greed. In this depiction of 2024, the ozone layer has been depleted due to the 90s, resulting in millions of deaths from overexposure to the sun’s rays. The good news? Connor MacLeod, also known as the Highlander, has created a shield that can shield the Earth from the destructive gas ball. The bad news? The Earth is now in a state of prolonged darkness, extreme but bearable heat, and oppressive humidity. And the worst news? The malevolent Shield Corporation has taken control of the shield and imposes hefty taxes on countries in a global protection racket. Scarcity and exploitation are not distant concerns for us in the present either. If you believe that when the sea levels rise and we must relocate to floating homes resembling archipelagos, the developers will not overcharge buyers, I have some beachfront property that will soon be submerged to offer you.
Illang: The Wolf Brigade
This live-action remake of Mamoru Oshii’s acclaimed anime predicts a lot of turmoil in Asia in the upcoming year. Internal tensions in Japan lead to their militarization, while the US and Russia attempt to control the region. The two Koreas reunite in order to strengthen their power. The story then fast forwards five years, where growing tensions between North and South Korea could potentially result in a civil war on the peninsula. The film explores political speculation about the future, taking into account current international events. Just before this article was written, Kim Jong-un’s regime declared a potential war with America, highlighting the threat of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. However, in the film, the true danger comes from the South Korean government’s abuse of power, as they create a team of ruthless mercenaries wearing gas masks with red, demonic eyes. The message of the story is to be cautious of becoming an authoritarian regime when fighting against one.
The Last Days of American Crime/Narcopolis
Two low-budget films suggest that trying to fix society’s problems could actually lead to more corruption from those in power. In one film, a lengthy Netflix production by Olivier Megaton, a “synaptic blocker” has been implanted in everyone’s brain to eliminate crime, but it mirrors the themes of A Clockwork Orange. In the other film, all drugs have been legalized, causing frustration for illegal dealers and profit for big pharmaceutical companies. In both cases, the promise of a better future only serves to worsen the present, as these advancements ultimately benefit the wealthy and powerful. While the message is presented clumsily, it is a cautionary tale that is often seen in real life with “green initiatives” and the lifting of marijuana bans – governments and corporations only do good when it benefits them.
Source: theguardian.com
