Advantageous Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Woman gets fired for being too old, so she murders herself to become a younger, hotter version, hoping her daughter won’t notice, but also it’s okay because science.

🍿 Advantageous: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Gwen and Jules’ World

The film introduces Gwen, a single mother working as the face of a biotechnology company that offers a revolutionary but ethically questionable procedure: transferring consciousness into younger bodies. She cherishes her daughter, Jules, and strives to provide her with a stable life and a good education in a near-future society riddled with economic disparity and societal pressure on women to maintain youthful appearances. Gwen is a very dedicated mother to Jules.

Gwen’s Job Loss and the Desperate Decision

Gwen’s world crumbles when she’s suddenly deemed ‘too old’ by her employer and fired. Facing unemployment and the inability to secure Jules’ future, Gwen makes a difficult decision. She volunteers to undergo the company’s experimental procedure, knowing it could drastically alter her identity, but believing it’s the only way to safeguard her daughter’s well-being and educational opportunities. What other choices does Gwen have?

The Transformation and its Aftermath

The procedure involves transferring Gwen’s consciousness into a younger, genetically modified body. While she regains her job and financial stability, the new Gwen, called Gwen 2.0, struggles to maintain her connection with Jules. Jules feels estranged from this new version of her mother, leading to emotional distance and questions about identity, motherhood, and the true meaning of self.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gwen (Jacqueline Kim): A single mother who sacrifices her identity to provide a better future for her daughter in a dystopian society.
• Jules (Samantha Kim): Gwen’s daughter, who grapples with the emotional impact of her mother’s life-altering decision.
• Gwen 2.0 (Freya Adams): The younger version of Gwen, embodying the physical form Gwen transfers into.
• Fisher (James Urbaniak): A colleague of Gwen’s who offers a complex mix of support and possible exploitation.
• Han (Ken Jeong): A member of the company with a role in the process Gwen undergoes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gwen 2.0: “What’s wrong?” – Gwen 2.0 is initiating a conversation with Jules to comfort her.
• Jules: “I don’t really know why I’m alive.” – Jules expresses her existential angst and uncertainty about her purpose.
• Gwen 2.0: “Doesn’t matter. Whatever you do will be wonderful and worthwhile.” – Gwen 2.0 tries to reassure Jules about her potential and value.
• Jules: “How do you know?” – Jules asks Gwen 2.0 to explain why she knows Jules’s life will be wonderful.
• Gwen 2.0: “I know because you’re kind.” – Gwen 2.0 explains that Jules’s kindness is what makes her life worthwhile.
• Jules: “People say being kind is being weak.” – Jules expresses that being kind is associated with being weak

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Advantageous Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Advantageous’ really stuck with me. The way it explores the mother-daughter relationship in a futuristic world is both beautiful and unsettling. I was particularly moved by Gwen’s sacrifices and how Jules coped with the changes. The slower pace allowed me to really connect with the characters and ponder the deeper questions about identity and purpose. The ending was bittersweet, and left me thinking about the film for days.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of thought-provoking science fiction dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about mother-daughter relationships”
  • “Those who appreciate films exploring themes of identity and societal pressure”
  • “People seeking feminist perspectives in science fiction”
  • “Viewers interested in movies about medical ethics.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of existential crisis and loss of identity”
  • “Discussions of social inequality and ageism”
  • “Implied violence and unsettling medical procedures”
  • “Some mature themes that may not be suitable for young children”
  • “Emotional distress related to grief and acceptance”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A subtle and finessed film, ‘Advantageous’ evokes stillness, urging consideration of life’s important aspects. Samantha Kim shines as Jules, portraying youthful kindness and questioning her role in a world valuing utility over essence. Jacqueline Kim’s performance, full of silence, embodies the challenges women face in balancing career and family. Cinematography amplifies Kim’s message. This film is about the human condition, highly recommended for thoughtful reflection.
• IMDb: “A mesmerizing sci-fi film portraying raw human emotions. ‘Advantageous’ focuses on the parent/child dynamic with realistic emotion. Set in a dystopian future, this movie delves into class conflict and philosophical questions, but the parental element is always at the forefront. The designs, locations, wardrobe and CGI are excellent.
• IMDb: “An intelligent and innovative sci-fi that offers a thought-provoking look at the future of women in a not-so-distant world. This film maintains a futuristic atmosphere while remaining grounded in relatable themes. The casting is diverse, and the lead female roles are strong. ‘Advantageous’ is captivating and delightful.

Audience Reactions

Viewers love the film’s ability to explore complex themes with subtlety and grace.: The thought-provoking exploration of motherhood and societal pressures in a futuristic setting resonated deeply.

People are loving the blend of science fiction and real emotional storytelling.: The movie is praised for its strong female leads and the unique take on a familiar sci-fi premise.

Overall Consensus: Thought-provoking sci-fi drama with strong performances and a unique exploration of motherhood and societal pressures, though some find the pace slow.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Collaborative Vision)- 2015

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Advantageous was first released as a 21-minute short film as an episode on the PBS show “Futurestates” in 2012, before being expanded into a feature film.”
• “Jacqueline Kim, who plays Gwen, also co-wrote the screenplay with director Jennifer Phang.”

🖥️ How to Watch Advantageous?

As of October 2024, ‘Advantageous’ is available for streaming on various platforms. Check your local listings on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play to see if it’s included with a subscription or available for rent or purchase. You might also find it on Tubi with ads.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Advantageous, you might like these similar films:

• Gattaca (1997): Explores themes of genetic engineering and societal pressures based on perceived biological advantages, similar to the focus on physical perfection in Advantageous.
• Her (2013): Deals with the evolving relationship between humans and technology in a near-future setting, and the emotional implications of these advancements.
• Never Let Me Go (2010): Examines the ethical dilemmas of a society where humans are created for a specific purpose, raising questions about identity and sacrifice.
• Ex Machina (2014): Questions what defines humanity in an age of advanced technology and artificial intelligence, with strong female characters navigating a complex moral landscape.

🛒 Advantageous Related Products

• Advantageous (Blu-ray): Own a piece of cinematic art. Experience Jennifer Phang’s masterpiece in stunning high definition with special features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Dystopian Dreams: A Sci-Fi Short Story Collection (Kindle Edition): Delve deeper into the dystopian themes explored in ‘Advantageous’. This curated collection of short stories features tales of future societies, technological advancements, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
• ‘Advantageous’ Inspired Minimalist Poster: Decorate your space with a stylish minimalist poster inspired by ‘Advantageous’. Featuring iconic imagery from the film, this poster is printed on high-quality paper and makes a subtle statement.
• Utopia or Dystopia Board Game: Inspired by the social commentary of ‘Advantageous’, this strategy board game challenges players to build either a utopian society or a dystopian regime. Navigate resource management, political intrigue, and technological advancements to achieve your vision.

🎧 Soundtrack

Advantageous features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Improvisations in C minor” – performed by Richard Inkyu Kim

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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