This super low-budget science-fiction thriller (apparently one of the ten cheapest films to ever be shown on Netflix), essentially, proves that it's not about the cash, it's about the execution. Sure, 'Infinity Chamber (2017)' looks relatively low-fi when it's at its most ambitious, but this doesn't detriment any aspect of the piece - in fact, I'd argue that it forms a crucial part of its aesthetic - and it certainly doesn't look half bad considering that the central set was built by the director himself out of rubbish he found behind a shop. Really, a film like this relies on the strength of its writing. Thankfully, the writing here is on-point. The story itself is sort of an amalgamation of a few distinct inspirations - which include, but aren't limited to, '2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)', 'Source Code (2011)' and 'Moon (2009)' - but it still feels fresh and keeps you on your toes throughout. There are also a number of genuinely intriguing twists and turns to keep things feeling fresh, some of which work better than others. The piece plays with some really interesting ideas, weaving its grander themes and world-building into its smaller, more claustrophobic narrative remarkably well. It hints towards its various meanings and upcoming reveals using clever set-design and an engaging non-linear structure. It also concludes with just a hint of ambiguity (and I do only mean a hint). Pretty much everything is revealed naturally, drip-fed at the perfect rate, and this makes for a very compelling watch. The performances are good, too, which all help sell the somewhat heightened conceit. The lead, in particular, is a surprisingly nuanced and evolving screen-presence - especially considering that, for the most part, he's both the sole person we see and is acting opposite, essentially, an empty room. Overall, this is an entertaining and engaging film that makes excellent use of its micro budget to bring its high concept to life. 7/10.
Review of Infinity Chamber
