Prodigy [2017] (3/5)

Prodigy is a sci-fi thriller with a very small – but intense – story. The brilliant acting makes this movie worth watching. And now it’s on Netflix!

Prodigy is a sci-fi thriller with a very simple concept and now you can watch it on Netflix.

It features a story that takes place in just two locations; A park and a facility of sorts. It could be a hospital, a military base or an office building. Really, it doesn’t matter.

What does matter is who is in this facility! And yes, it is the title character. A young and seemingly harmless girl, who is a prodigy of sorts.

Trust the unknown

The question of the movie is basically this: Can we trust the child prodigy when she is clearly smarter and stronger than most “normal” people.

In Prodigy, the two all-important characters are Ellie and James Fonda. Ellie is the prodigy whereas Dr. Fonda is the psychologist trying to find out what makes her tick.

The young Ellie is portrayed by Savannah Liles, who gives a stellar performance. Since her character is a child genius, she has a lot of lines that many adults could struggle with. Still, when she talks, it sounds eerily normal. Also, Savannah Liles is brilliant at showing the micro changes in mood. This alone is what makes the story believable.

Playing across from her as Dr. Fonda who’s portrayed by Richard Neil. He is equally perfect in his role as a psychologist who takes a very laidback approach and tries simply talking to “the subject”.

Since most scenes feature just Ellie and Dr. Fonda, their chemistry has to be spot-on. And it really is!

A story of human nature

The basic premise of Prodigy is the good old “We fear what we can’t understand”. It’s something most people can relate to, which makes it a very simple and universal story.

Well, that and also, they can’t control her. Which is yet another thing to fear when the girl is clearly very powerful.

Prodigy was written and directed by Alex Haughey and Brian Vidal. This is the feature film debut for both as directors and screenwriters. However, they’ve done quite a few short films, so they’re not exactly newcomers.

Their first feature film has already won quite a few awards, which has gone to the two directors and the young Savannah Liles (Ellie).

Out later this year, Savannah Liles will play the lead in Landfill, which is currently in post-production. It co-stars Linda Blair (The Excorcist), so this alone should garner some attention.

Watch Prodigy on Netflix now!

I really enjoyed Prodigy which has a runtime of just 80 minutes (or 1 hour and 20 minutes). And yes, it is a bit of a slow-burn and a “talking movie”, but it really works.

Also, young Ellie does have gifts reminiscent of Stephen King’s Carrie, so don’t worry… it’s not all talk.

However, even with some elements of horror, the movie is more sci-fi and thriller than horror. But it is definitely worth your time. The movies achieved a very high production value on a very small budget.

Prodigy is out on Netflix in the US and Canada as of August 22, 2018. 

Details

Directors: Alex Haughey, Brian Vidal
Writors: Alex Haughey, Brian Vidal
Cast: Richard Neil, Savannah Liles, Jolene Andersen, Emilio Palame, David Linski, Harvey Q. Johnson, Aral Gribble

Plot

A maverick psychologist must uncover the secrets of a gifted but dangerous young girl who has been placed on lockdown for her supernatural abilities.