Sci-fi films have always been equally about commenting on today’s society as well as showing off new, fun futures. And it’s clear that “The Pod Generation,” though about a society with advanced technology and a seemingly futuristic way to experience a pregnancy, has plenty to say about our current human situation.
As seen in the trailer for “The Pod Generation,” the film tells the story of a successful couple in a future New York City. Content with their lives and their careers, the duo decides to welcome a baby into the world, but they do so through the use of the Womb Center, a business where they are given a pod (which looks like an egg) that has their growing baby living and developing inside. This allows for more of an equal sharing of prenatal duties. But it also is somewhat creepy and detached. Thus, the crux of the film.
“The Pod Generation” stars Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film is directed by Sophie Barthes. In our review of “The Pod Generation” from this year’s Sundance, we had some issues with the storytelling, but overall, we were positive on the film. Our review said, “None of this is meant to diminish the fine work of the cast and even the writer/director; this is a film full of compelling ideas, which is much more than most filmmakers of her generation attempt. Once she learns to tie those ideas together into a fresh or inspiring narrative, that’ll really be something.”
“The Pod Generation” arrives in theaters on August 11. You can watch the trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Sophie Barthes’ third feature film is set in the very near future world where AI is all the rage and technology has trumped nature in nearly every aspect of life. The Pod Generation follows Rachel (Clarke) and Alvy (Ejiofor), a New York couple who are ready to start a family. As a rising tech company executive, Rachel lands a coveted spot at the Womb Center, which offers couples the opportunity to share pregnancy on a more equal footing by way of mobile, artificial wombs, or pods. Alvy, a botanist and devoted purist about the natural environment, has doubts, but his love for Rachel prompts him to take a leap of faith. And so, begins the wild ride on their tech-paved path to parenthood.
