Naked Singularity
Movie Trailer
Release Date
August 6, 2021
Genre
Crime, Drama, Comedy
Cast & Crew
- John Boyega as Casi
- Olivia Cooke as Lea
- Bill Skarsgård as Dane
- Ed Skrein as Craig
- Linda Lavin as Sybil
- Tim Blake Nelson as Angus
Director
Chase Palmer
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Feature film directorial debut (Chase Palmer is also known for co-writing the screenplay for It (2017))
Producer
Tony Ganz, P. Jennifer Dana, Ryan Stowell, Kevin J. Walsh
Writer
Chase Palmer, David Matthews (based on the novel A Naked Singularity by Sergio De La Pava)
Budget
$10 million
Production Company
Scott Free Productions, 3311 Productions, Wolf Films
Running Time
93 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R (for language throughout, some violence, drug use, and sexual content)
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Violence and drug use
- Sexual content
- Dark comedy elements
Movie Story
“Naked Singularity” follows the story of Casi (John Boyega), a brilliant but disillusioned public defender in New York City who is teetering on the edge of a breakdown. Despite his commitment to justice, Casi is frustrated by a legal system that seems designed to perpetuate inequality and corruption. His belief in the law begins to crumble as he watches his clients, many of whom are innocent or victims of circumstance, repeatedly fail to receive fair treatment.
Casi’s life takes a drastic turn when he becomes involved in a high-stakes heist orchestrated by Lea (Olivia Cooke), a former client, and Dane (Bill Skarsgård), a mysterious and unpredictable figure. The heist centers around a drug deal worth millions, and it offers Casi a chance to break free from the constraints of his morally ambiguous world. As he descends deeper into this criminal underworld, Casi grapples with his principles, the idea of fate, and the possibility that his reality might be on the verge of collapsing—much like a “naked singularity,” a point in space where the laws of physics cease to apply.
The film intertwines elements of dark comedy with existential musings, creating a unique narrative that reflects on the absurdities of modern life and the flaws within the justice system. Casi’s journey is both thrilling and introspective, leading to a climax that challenges the boundaries between right and wrong, reality and illusion.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Naked Singularity” are minimal but effective, primarily used to underscore the film’s themes of existential dread and reality distortion. The film uses subtle visual distortions and editing techniques to mirror Casi’s deteriorating grasp on reality, adding a layer of psychological tension to the narrative.
Box Office Performance
“Naked Singularity” had a limited theatrical release and was primarily distributed through streaming platforms. Its box office performance was modest, with the film garnering a mixed reception from audiences and critics alike.
Filming Locations
- New York City, New York, USA
Notable Quotes
- “The law is supposed to be fair. It’s supposed to be just. So why do I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle?”
- “You ever feel like the universe is laughing at you?”
Behind-the-Scenes
“Naked Singularity” marks Chase Palmer’s feature film directorial debut. The film is based on the critically acclaimed novel A Naked Singularity by Sergio De La Pava, which was known for its complex narrative structure and deep philosophical questions. Translating this novel into a film required condensing and reinterpreting many of its intricate themes, a challenge Palmer embraced.
Awards
- None
Final Verdict
“Naked Singularity” is an ambitious film that blends crime, drama, and dark comedy into a thought-provoking narrative about the failures of the justice system and the fragility of reality. John Boyega delivers a strong performance as Casi, grounding the film even as it delves into surreal territory. While it may not resonate with everyone, those who appreciate films that challenge conventional storytelling will find “Naked Singularity” an intriguing watch.
IMDb Rating
4.7/10