Trapped in Suburbia: Vivarium (2019) Movie Review & Analysis

In this episode of Mindset Movie Reviews, I take a closer look at Vivarium (2019). Directed by Lorcan Finnegan, starring Imogen Poots, Danielle Ryan, Molly McCann, Jesse Eisenberg, and Jonathan Aris. ⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 🏆 IMDb: 5.9/10 🎬 Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, and Horror ⏱ Runtime: 97 minutes 📅 Release Year: 2020 🎥 Watch the full video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6doRmOAGtk Follow the podcast for more honest movie reviews — no fluff, no hype.

Transcript

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Without further ado, let's get to my movie review of Vivarium from twenty nineteen. Vivarium directed by Lorkin Finnegan and written by Garrett Shanley and Finnegan is a film that delves into the unsettling nature of suburban life through a blend of horror, science fiction and mystery. The movie follows a young couple, Gemma, played by Imogen Poots, and Tom, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, as they embark on a journey to find their first home. Their search leads them to a peculiar real estate agent, Martin, played by Jonathan Harris, who introduces them to a bizarre housing development called Yonder. What begins as a simple house tour quickly spirals into a surreal nightmare as they find themselves trapped in a labyrinth of identical green houses with no way out. The film's premise is intriguing, drawing comparisons to The Twilight Zone with its eerie and existential themes. The couple's ordeal in yonder is a metaphorical exploration of the monotony and entrapment often associated with suburban life. The houses all painted in a lifeless green symbolize the uniformity and lack of individuality that can pervade such environments. The film cleverly uses this setting to critique societal norms around home ownership and family life, suggesting that these ideals can sometimes feel like a trap rather than a dream. As the story unfolds, Gemma and Tom receive a mysterious package containing a baby with instructions to raise the child in order to be released. This bizarre twist adds a layer of psychological horror to the narrative, as the couple grapples with the challenges of parenting an otherworldly child who grows at an alarming rate and exhibits unsettling behavior. The child portrayed by Senan Jennings and later Iana Hardwick serves as a catalyst for the couple's deteriorating relationship, highlighting the strain that societal expectations can place on individuals. The performances by Poots and Eisenberg are commendable as they navigate the emotional complexities of their characters with depth and nuance. Poots in particular shines as Gemma, capturing the character's maternal instincts and growing desperation. Eisenberg's portrayal of Tom, a man driven to madness by his futile attempts to escape, adds a layer of intensity to the film. Vivarium is visually striking, with its meticulously crafted set design and use of practical effects and green screen to create the unsettling world of yonder. The film's atmosphere is one of its strongest elements, effectively building a sense of dread and unease that lingers throughout. However, the film's pacing can be uneven, with moments where the narrative drags, potentially losing the audience's engagement. While Vivarium offers a thought-provoking commentary on the pressures of modern life, it may not resonate with everyone. Its abstract and allegorical nature requires viewers to suspend disbelief and embrace the film's surrealism. For those willing to delve into its depths, Vivarium presents a chilling exploration of the human condition, questioning the very nature of happiness and fulfillment in a world that often feels like a never-ending cycle of routine and expectation. That's my take on Vivarium, and I'm giving it three and a half stars out of a possible five. Thanks for listening. If you've enjoyed what you've heard, please like, subscribe, and it will be great to see you next time on Mindset Movie Reviews.