It is a World ALTERED

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and coming to VOD from writer/director Timo Vuorensola and Well Go USA comes the sci-fi futuristic world that is ALTERED.

In this post-war world there are two types of people, those who are genetically perfect and those who are not. Leon (Tom Felton), an inventor, is of the people who are considered not worthy (specials) of being with the genetically perfect. Born with a disability, he has found himself a place in the world that doesn't see him but he can invent devices to help people. What keeps him motivated forward is Chloe (Lizza Bugulova), a young girl who has a connection with Leon as he looks to take care of her.

A person Chloe looks up to, besides Leon, is pop singer Mira (Aggy K. Adams) who sings for those who truly need to be heard. Through a strange circumstance, Leon, Chloe and Mira find themselves together realizing that Hughes (Igor Jilikin) is out to destroy all those who he deems imperfect but he isn’t the only one. There are politicians that are using genetics for nefarious purposes as Leon, Chloe and now Mira decide it is time to expose it all and holding those accountable.

Everyone loves an underdog!

Felton as Leon takes on a role that looks to be a combination of being part of the story, fun and even a bit of comedy. Starting out as someone in a wheelchair to inventing something that gets him on his feet, there is a bit of Tony Stark in there and I’m all for it. I realize there are a lot of people wanting to continually compare Felton to his role in the Harry Potter films but I say we get past that. He has, since 2011 and the end of the Potter films, taken on so many different roles and 30 projects since then. This is a very well-done role in the sci-fi world Felton kept my attention from start to finish.

Bugulova as Chloe is quite the little spitfire and finds a home with Leon. They work together to survive the world around them and do it brilliantly. It is she who brings attention to her protector that something must be done to bring awareness of what is happening around them. Like any young person, she wants the world to change destroyers destroyed. I thoroughly enjoyed Bugulova’s performance and her going all-fan over Mira the pop singer had me giggling.

Adams as Mira is the pop star that has everyone trying to go to her concert (very Swiftie-ish) but getting a ticket is near impossible for the ‘specials’. Mira soon discovers that the world off the stage has become unbearable for the specials and that there is secrecy that only she and Leon can uncover. Adams is just as fiery as Bugulova and that makes it fun to watch Felton’s character surrounded by two very strong women.  

Other cast include Daniyar Alshinov, Aleksey Filimonov, Atamura Mussakhanoy, Linda Nigmatulina, Yelzhas Rakhim and Richard Blake as Frank Kessler.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

ALTERED is an unusual mix of sci-fi, cyberpunk and narrative that could easily fit in to what is happening today. It brings front and centered the unequal balance between those with disabilities and those who can afford the best medical care. The film also speaks to how those in power do their best to push those that could be considered homeless even further into the outcast of society. In this tale there is no middle ground or middle class, it is the haves and have-nots clearly.

The story that director Vuorensola tells is one that is clearly defined but also makes sure to put a cape on Leon, a man with disabilities. Those in power absolutely don’t see him coming but realize that he could be a big problem (sound familiar?). I enjoy the story between Leon and Chloe because it does show that connection is something that those who are trying to ruin them do not have. ALTERED is a visual treat for sci-fi fans absolutely with set designs that fall right in line with Leon’s character as an inventor and I enjoyed that very much.

In the end – fight for those who cannot!