Watch Sophia Antipolis

Sophia Antipolis is a French drama film directed by Virgil Vernier that was released in 2018. The movie takes place in Sophia Antipolis, a high-tech park located near the French Riviera. The title of the movie is a reference to this park, which is known globally as a breeding ground for start-up companies that work on cutting-edge technologies.

The storyline of the movie consists of several different plotlines that intersect with each other, making for a complex and thought-provoking film. On one hand, we follow the character of Sandra (played by Sandra Poitoux), a computer programmer who has recently moved to Sophia Antipolis to work on a project that involves creating an AI system that can understand and mimic human emotions. Sandra becomes increasingly obsessed with her work, leading her to experience a personal crisis that puts her in a difficult place.

Meanwhile, we meet the character of Hugues (played by Hugues Njiba-Mukuna), a young man from Congo who is trying to find his way in France. He becomes involved with a group of people who embrace a cult-like ideology focused on personal and spiritual development. This storyline brings up questions about identity, displacement, and the search for meaning in life.

Lastly, we follow the character of Zoé (played by Dewy Kunetz), a teenage girl who is struggling with her place in the world. She has a difficult relationship with her mother, who is often absent, and looks to find meaning by joining a group of young people that frequently gather in the woods near Sophia Antipolis to perform pagan-like rituals. This storyline explores themes such as alienation, adolescence, and the search for meaning in the modern world.

Sophia Antipolis is a slow-burn film that takes its time with each character's development and doesn't rush into any plot resolutions. The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals of the French Riviera and the surrounding countryside. The use of music is also effective, accentuating the melancholic mood of the film and creating a sense of reflection.

In terms of themes, Sophia Antipolis explores issues such as the relationship between technology and humanity, the search for meaning in a globalized world, and the risks of extremism and fanaticism. The film doesn't provide any answers to these questions, instead inviting the audience to think for themselves and engage with the characters' struggles and dilemmas.

Overall, Sophia Antipolis is a complex and thought-provoking film that rewards patience and attention. Its use of multiple plotlines and characters allows for a rich and nuanced exploration of themes that resonate far beyond the borders of the French high-tech park in which it is set. The film may not be for everyone, but those who are willing to engage with it will find a lot to ponder and discuss.

Sophia Antipolis is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.