Radius (4/5)

Radius is a brilliantly simple sci-fi thriller that works perfectly. A fascinating plot and likable characters plus a great cast are key. Enjoy the mystery while you try to guess the twists and turns.

Radius is one of those movies, I’ve really been looking forward to. Ever since I saw the trailer and read the plot, I’ve been excited about how the story would work. And it works damn well.

Of course, this being a sci-fi thriller, there are elements that are out of this world. Still, at the center of Radius is a great big mystery, and I do love trying to guess the answer.

Many fans of the horror and thriller genre, will probably guess some of the plot twists, but probably not all. I certainly didn’t. And even though I did guess some of the major elements, it took nothing away from the story.

I still loved watching the story unfold and getting to experience how it was told.

Make sure you watch the Radius trailer here before you continue reading our review below.

Sometimes less is more

What I really love about Radius is the fact that the plot is so simple; A man with no memory of who he is discovers he kills people simply by being near them.

And yes, don’t worry, he does manage to figure out the effect he has pretty quickly. So you won’t be screaming at the screen that he needs to stay away from people.

Also, he finds out who he is – not that he remembers anything. His name is Liam and that’s pretty much all he knows.

Anyway, the fact that the plot is so simple means we get to discover the mystery along with the main protagonist. While he doesn’t remember who he is, he has all the logic you would hope.

Liam is portrayed by Diego Klattenhoff (Lavender, The Blacklist) and he has to carry quite a big chunk of the movie all on his own. He manages this perfectly well, and you can’t help but feel for the guy. With no idea who he is, all he sees around him is death.

Pay attention while watching

The main supporting character is played by Charlotte Sullivan (Rookie Blue, Mary Kills People). She’s in a similar situation though only in regards to the memory loss element.

As it turns out, the biggest issue for Liam is to stay away from other people. As much as he tries, people seem to constantly approach him. The friendship between these two people with no memory of each other – or even themselves – continuously moves the story forward.

Seriously, you need to pay attention while watching this movie. Put your phone away and spend an hour and a half with this mystery. Who knows, maybe you’ll manage to figure out what’s going on faster than the characters.

The characters both experience little snippets of flashbacks and everything contains a clue. So stay sharp and alert!

Power duo Labrèche and Léonard

Radius was both written and directed by two people:  Caroline Labrèche and Steeve Léonard. This is the second project the two have made together.

Their first movie was called Sans Dessein and they also starred in that one. Whatever they’re doing, it certainly seems to be working so hopefully they’ll continue.

Imagine waking up with the same predicament as Liam (Diego Klattenhoff). What would you do? Besides trying to figure out what was going on and stay away from people. Two things that are pretty much counterproductive, so you can start out with that little thought starter.

Well, unless you have the urge to kill a lot of people, which would make for an entirely different movie. Hey, maybe that’s what Caroline Labrèche and Steeve Léonard should make next?!

I’m not sure what I expected from Radius, but I do know it exceeded any and every expectation I had. I would recommend everyone check out this movie as soon as they get the chance.

Radius is available on Netflix in the US now!

Also, it’s still screening at film festivals around the world, so keep your eyes and ears open for your chance to watch this brilliant sci-fi thriller.

Details

Director: Caroline Labrèche, Steeve Léonard
Writers: Caroline Labrèche, Steeve Léonard
Cast: Diego Klattenhoff, Charlotte Sullivan, Robert Borges

Plot

Following a car crash, a man wakes with no memory. As he seeks help, he discovers only dead bodies. He soon discovers the horrible truth; any living thing that comes within a 50-foot radius of him dies instantly.