Watch Code 8

In a world where people with special abilities, known as "Powers," are consistently marginalized and oppressed, the movie Code 8 tells the story of Connor Reed (played by Robbie Amell), a young man with telekinetic Powers who is trying to make ends meet while taking care of his ailing mother Mary (Kari Matchett). He turns to illegal activities to pay for her medical bills and to try and make a better life for himself and his mother. Connor is recruited by local criminal Garrett (Stephen Amell) to use his Powers for heists, but tensions rise when it becomes clear that the criminal organization they work for is putting all Powers in danger, whether they're criminal or not. Meanwhile, Connor's childhood friend Nia (Kyla Kane) is taken by the police when her Powers malfunction and she accidentally kills someone while trying to save her father from a mugging. As Connor starts to realize the dangers of working with Garrett, he meets up with Nia to help her navigate the legal system and try to get her released before it's too late. However, as he delves deeper into the corrupt system that keeps people with Powers down, he finds himself caught up in a much bigger conspiracy that puts his own life and the lives of those he loves in danger. The society depicted in Code 8 is one that is deeply divided between those with and without Powers. Those with Powers are forced to register, wear identifying bracelets, and are often subjected to routine sweeps by the police. They're also forced to live in rundown neighborhoods, with little hope of attaining any semblance of a normal life. These themes of social inequality and police brutality are all too relevant in today's world, and the film does an excellent job of exploring these issues through its characters and their interactions. At its core, Code 8 is a stylish and gritty science-fiction action film that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of its world. The film is far from perfect, with some clunky dialogue and predictable story beats, but it's carried by the performances of its cast. Robbie Amell, in particular, shines as the conflicted and reluctant criminal Connor, who just wants to keep his head down and do what he needs to do to take care of his mother. The action sequences are well-choreographed and inventive, with a particular standout scene involving a group of Powers using their abilities in concert to take down a heavily-armored SWAT team. The film also benefits from its strong visual style, with a muted color palette and lots of neon lights that give it an otherworldly feel. Overall, Code 8 is a solid sci-fi action film that explores important themes while delivering pulse-pounding excitement. It may not be the most original or groundbreaking movie in its genre, but it's a fun ride with heart and soul that's definitely worth checking out.