Radius (2017)

Directed by: Caroline Labrèche, Steeve Léonard | 93 minutes | science fiction thriller | Actors: Diego Klattenhoff, Charlotte Sullivan, Robert Borges, Andrea del Campo, Nazariy Demkowicz, Brett Donahue, Andrea Houssin, Alicia Johnston, Trevor Kristjanson, Garth Merkeley, Dennis Nicomede, Darren Ross, Bradley Sawatzky, Bj Verot

‘Radius’ proves that an ingenious starting point is no guarantee for success. This science fiction thriller is characterized by a cool synopsis, but unfortunately the film fails when it comes to elaboration. Sin.

‘Radius’ revolves around a nameless man (Diego Klattenhoff). He lost his memory after a car accident. Completely disillusioned, he decides to look for help. When he encounters people and wants to speak to them, they drop dead. In a certain area – radius – around our hero all life dies. What is going on? The man decides to investigate, hoping to find an explanation for these strange events.

The premise of ‘Radius’ is very strong and director duo Caroline Labrèche and Steeve Léonard have gold in their hands. Unfortunately, the limited budget is the biggest pitfall of this film. With more finances, an exciting and haunting movie would have resided here. Now it remains with an intriguing premise where the potential is never realised.

The special effects are decent. ‘Radius’ falls short when it comes to character development. The characters lack charisma and depth. In combination with the flat playing of Klattenhoff and Charlotte Sullivan, this makes for a film that gets rather boring. The fate of these people leaves you completely cold. You cannot identify with them. The slow pace and the lackluster direction – it never gets exciting, scary or gloomy – make for an extremely disappointing viewing experience. The soundtrack does not create any atmosphere and is just there. It exists, nothing more.

Hopefully a more talented filmmaker will pick up on this idea and translate the appealing idea better to the silver screen. With a better cast and a more experienced director at the helm, this could become an instant classic. In its current form, ‘Radius’ is an extremely weak version of a great premise.