Chaos Walking

Movie Trailer

Release Date
March 5, 2021

Genre
Science Fiction, Adventure

Cast & Crew

• Tom Holland as Todd Hewitt
• Daisy Ridley as Viola Eade
• Mads Mikkelsen as Mayor Prentiss
• Demián Bichir as Ben Moore
• Cynthia Erivo as Hildy Black
• Nick Jonas as Davy Prentiss Jr.
• David Oyelowo as Aaron

Director
Doug Liman

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• The Bourne Identity (2002)
• Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

Producer
Doug Davison, Allison Shearmur, Erwin Stoff

Writer
Patrick Ness, Christopher Ford (Screenplay), based on the novel The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Budget
$100 million

Production Company
Lionsgate, Bron Creative, 3 Arts Entertainment

Running Time
109 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Violence and intense action sequences
• Mild language
• Some disturbing images

Movie Story
“Chaos Walking” is set in a dystopian future on a distant planet where all women have died and the remaining men are afflicted by a mysterious force known as “The Noise,” which makes their thoughts visible and audible to everyone around them. The story follows Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland), a young man growing up in Prentisstown, a small settlement ruled by the enigmatic Mayor Prentiss (Mads Mikkelsen). Todd has been taught to control his Noise, but he struggles with the overwhelming barrage of thoughts that are constantly exposed to others.

Todd’s life changes when he discovers Viola Eade (Daisy Ridley), a mysterious young woman who crash-lands on the planet and is the first woman Todd has ever seen. Unlike the men on the planet, Viola is not affected by the Noise, making her an instant target in the male-dominated society. As Todd helps Viola escape from Prentisstown, the two of them are pursued by Mayor Prentiss and his army, who want to capture Viola for their own purposes.

As they journey through the dangerous wilderness, Todd learns shocking truths about the planet’s history, the fate of the women, and the true nature of the Noise. The bond between Todd and Viola grows as they fight for survival, and together, they uncover a conspiracy that could change the future of the entire colony.

“Chaos Walking” blends elements of science fiction and adventure with thought-provoking themes about power, control, and the impact of technology on human consciousness. The film explores the psychological tension of having one’s thoughts constantly exposed, and how it affects trust, relationships, and society as a whole.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Chaos Walking” are central to the film’s concept, particularly in the visualization of the Noise. The filmmakers use a combination of CGI and sound design to create a swirling, ethereal representation of the characters’ thoughts, which float around them in vivid, ever-changing patterns. This visual interpretation of the Noise is both mesmerizing and unsettling, capturing the chaotic nature of having one’s inner thoughts exposed. The action sequences, including chases through the forest and encounters with hostile creatures, are well-executed, blending practical effects with digital enhancements to create a believable and immersive world.

Box Office Performance
“Chaos Walking” had a challenging release, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and mixed critical reception. The film grossed around $27 million worldwide against its $100 million budget, making it a commercial disappointment. Despite this, it found an audience on streaming platforms, where its ambitious premise and star-studded cast attracted viewers.

Filming Locations

• Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Scotland, UK

Notable Quotes

• “I don’t want you knowing my thoughts!” – Todd Hewitt
• “There are some places where your Noise is just a whisper.” – Viola Eade

Behind-the-Scenes
“Chaos Walking” faced a difficult production history, including multiple rewrites, reshoots, and delays. Originally shot in 2017, the film underwent significant reshoots in 2019 after initial test screenings. Doug Liman, known for his fast-paced action direction, brought his experience to the film, but the complex nature of the source material posed challenges in adaptation. Despite these hurdles, the film showcases strong performances from Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, who anchor the story with their chemistry and emotional depth.

Awards

• Nominated for Visual Effects Society Awards: Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature

Final Verdict
“Chaos Walking” is an ambitious sci-fi film that tackles intriguing concepts with mixed results. While the film’s execution may not fully live up to its potential, it offers an engaging story, driven by solid performances from its lead actors. The unique premise, combined with visually striking effects and an action-packed narrative, makes “Chaos Walking” worth watching, especially for fans of dystopian adventures and thought-provoking science fiction.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10