Director Ben Wheatley returns with a delightfully eccentric and thought-provoking slice of science fiction in his new film, Bulk. Made on a modest budget, the feature combines retro aesthetics, playful paranoia, and existential questions to create a uniquely charming cinematic experience.
A Journey into Dreamlike Unreality
The film follows a hardened investigative journalist, portrayed by Sam Riley, who finds himself in a bizarre predicament. After being drugged and kidnapped by a menacing associate, played by Noah Taylor, he wakes up in a seemingly ordinary suburban house in Sussex. This location, however, is far from normal; it is the childhood home of the reclusive multibillionaire oligarch he was meant to profile.
The oligarch, portrayed by Mark Monero, has created a revolutionary device called the "Brain Collider". Described as a particle accelerator for the mind, this room-sized machine is designed to probe the deepest mysteries of human consciousness. The house itself becomes a portal, launching Riley's character into a cosmic adventure that blurs the lines between intergalactic travel and the infinite labyrinths of the psyche.
Stylistic Flair and Engaging Performances
Wheatley employs a distinct visual style to complement the mind-bending narrative. The film utilises monochrome cinematography, dramatic Dutch angles, and looming close-ups, evoking the feel of classic paranoia thrillers from directors like John Frankenheimer. The dialogue has a deliberate, almost dubbed quality, adding to the overall sheen of dreamlike unreality.
The production's charm is amplified by its inventive, lo-fi special effects, including the use of Airfix models, which give the film a tangible, handmade quality. Bulk wears its pop-culture influences proudly, with nods to series like Space: 1999 listed in Wheatley's own handwriting during the closing credits.
The film is buoyed by the compelling performances of its lead actors. Sam Riley brings a suitable toughness and bewilderment to his role, while Alexandra Maria Lara is magnetic as an enigmatic woman who may be a guide, an ally, or a formidable foe. Their real-life chemistry as a married couple translates effectively on screen, providing a human anchor amidst the cosmic chaos.
Final Verdict and Release Details
Bulk is an engaging and self-indulgent ride that embraces its zaniness. While it occasionally meanders, its wit, visual inventiveness, and the appeal of its central performers ensure it remains consistently watchable. It is a testament to how big questions about reality and consciousness can be explored with small-budget charm and a hefty dose of personality.
The film will have its UK premiere at The Nickel in London on 15 January, followed by a nationwide tour. For fans of quirky, idea-driven science fiction, Ben Wheatley's latest offers a refreshing and entertaining departure from mainstream blockbusters.
