When we think of virtual reality in films, it’s often portrayed in a sinister light, as seen in classics like The Matrix, Virtuosity, and The Lawnmower Man. However, Flora Lau’s latest film Luz takes an altogether different approach. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this week, Luz presents VR not as a perilous technology but rather as a tool that facilitates human connection. For its two solitary protagonists—art gallery employee Ren (portrayed by Sandrine Pinna) and self-proclaimed gangster Wei (played by Xiaodong Guo)—VR becomes an essential lifeline that offers solace amid their tumultuous lives.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary Chongqing—a vibrant city adorned with neon lights that feels almost futuristic—and Paris, the film’s environment is populated with familiar technological elements. Smartphones and livestreams reminiscent of OnlyFans featuring young women are common sights. The VR devices depicted include ski mask-style goggles and finger sensors resembling talons; they present both cutting-edge features and outdated design compared to today’s advancements. Luz represents a captivating snapshot of immersive technology from several years ago, preceding our awareness of intuitive finger tracking now prevalent in devices like Apple’s Vision Pro.
In their quest for escapism within the virtual domain of Luz, Ren and Wei grapple with real-life challenges that ultimately remain unresolved. Ren seeks to bridge her emotional divide with her stepmother Sabine (the illustrious Isabelle Huppert), who remains aloof despite suffering from a serious health condition. Meanwhile, Wei attempts to restore his relationship with his estranged daughter Fa through anonymous interactions on the above-mentioned livestream platform.
The paths of these characters converge during a quest within the game to track down an elusive neon deer—their notion of victory within Luz’s universe. As they reluctantly bond over this shared experience, they gradually begin confronting their emotional scars together. While this is certainly an engaging premise, there are moments where more time spent developing their virtual interactions could have enhanced their connection significantly.
Sundance Institute
Unlike films such as Ready Player One that attempt to create fully animated VR worlds—thankfully avoided here—Luz portrays an exaggeratedly stylized version of reality saturated with vibrant neon hues and cosmic particles amidst characters appearing ready for Comic-Con fanfare. This artistic decision not only simplifies the depiction of VR but also suggests a reality so close it prompts viewers to question why genuine human connections should even matter if virtual experiences are this captivating? This visual style draws similarities to Mamoru Oshii’s overlooked Polish sci-fi film Avalon which delved into identity reconfiguration within simulated environments.
While Lau endeavors skillfully to produce stunning imagery representative of VR experiences, what truly stands out would benefit from further dialogue between Ren and Wei rather than leaving viewers reliant on silent contemplations filled with unspoken emotions staring into space for clarity instead; especially given its runtime clocks in at just under two hours which allows ample room for richer character development! Nevertheless we do witness some compelling exchanges between Ren and Sabine showcasing Huppert’s characteristic charm throughout—though one wonders how realistic it is that Sabine hadn’t explored VR already given artists have incorporated it into installations since at least 2016—not exactly groundbreaking innovation anymore!
Luz edges toward greatness thanks largely due both acts’ impressive performances paired along well-executed cinematography while simultaneously acknowledging shortcomings resulting either from restraint or subpar scripting making interpersonal relations appear murky at times lacking insightfulness regarding each character’s perceptions towards one another along surrounding environment culminating ultimately leads arriving feeling somewhat detached despite thematic intentions emphasizing warmth inherent within rekindling lost connections among fellow individuals!