Metropia Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

In the future, everyone’s shampoo is a government spy, and one guy just wants to unsubscribe.

🍿 Metropia: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to a Dystopian Future

In 2024, Europe is connected by a vast underground metro system due to depleted oil reserves. Roger, a man living in a suburb of Stockholm, avoids the metro because he hears voices. This sets the stage for a world where resources are scarce and technology is used for control.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Roger discovers that his life is being controlled, and he seeks to break free from this oppressive system. He encounters Nina, a model who may hold the key to understanding the conspiracy. Their alliance forms the core of the rebellion against corporate control.

Mind Control and Corporate Power

The film reveals a deeper plot involving mind control through shampoo and surveillance. A powerful corporation, Trexx, is manipulating the population. Roger and Nina must navigate this web of deceit to uncover the truth and fight for their freedom.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Roger Olofsson (Vincent Gallo): A timid and paranoid office worker who discovers he is part of a massive mind-control conspiracy.
• Nina (Juliette Lewis): A mysterious supermodel who becomes entangled with Roger and may or may not be trustworthy.
• Ivan Bahn (Udo Kier): The chilling head of the Trexx Corporation, responsible for the dystopian control through the Metro system and mind-altering shampoo.
• Ralph Parker (Stellan Skarsgård): A member of the corporation’s security force who is in persuit of Roger and is part of the conspiracy.
• Stefan (Alexander Skarsgård): A drone just like Roger, who is actually the voice and has a direct impact on him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nina: “Joseph Kemp, more vain than a sixteen year old girl, yuck, Cardinal of The Church of Climate. He’s the guru for all the retarded climatologists.” – Nina sarcastically introduces Joseph Kemp at a financial report party.

💰Box Office

• Budget: SEK 32,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $81,305

💥 Metropia Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Metropia’ to be a really odd experience. The animation style was unlike anything I’ve seen before; it’s creepy and unsettling, but also kinda mesmerizing. The whole dystopian world felt bleak and hopeless, which matched the story perfectly. Honestly, the ending left me feeling a bit empty, but I think that was the point. It’s not something I’d watch again soon, but it definitely stuck with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dystopian sci-fi”
  • “Viewers interested in unique animation styles”
  • “Those who enjoy thought-provoking themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild nudity”
  • “Adult language”
  • “Thematic elements of surveillance and control may be disturbing to some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• SFGate: “Metropia offers a unique visual style, but the narrative is convoluted, ultimately leading to a disappointing viewing experience. The animation is initially captivating, but the slow pace and lack of suspense detract from the overall impact. Worth watching for the artistry, but not for the story.
• Variety: “Tarik Saleh’s ‘Metropia’ is visually arresting but narratively thin. The photo-realistic animation creates a haunting atmosphere, but the story lacks originality and fails to fully engage the audience. The voice acting is strong, but not enough to elevate the overall experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “This visually inventive but dramatically inert animated feature imagines a near-future Europe connected by underground tunnels. While the animation technique is novel, the storyline feels underdeveloped and fails to generate the suspense or excitement needed to sustain interest. Its grim tone and slow pace may deter many viewers.

Audience Reactions

The unique animation style, though odd, provides a distinct visual experience that sets it apart.: Viewers appreciated the movie’s originality and distinct atmosphere, even if they found the story lacking.

The voice acting, particularly Vincent Gallo and Juliette Lewis, was praised for adding depth to the characters.: Fans were drawn to the movie’s dark themes and dystopian setting reminiscent of ‘1984’ and ‘Brazil’.

Overall Consensus: Metropia is a visually striking but narratively weak dystopian animation that impresses with its unique style but struggles to deliver a compelling story.

Awards

1. Venice Film Festival (Future Film Digital Award)- 2009

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film utilizes a unique animation style called ‘photo montage,’ combining manipulated photographs to create a distinctive, somewhat unsettling visual aesthetic.”
• “Director Tarik Saleh is also known for his documentary ‘Gitmo,’ which explores interrogation techniques at Guantanamo Bay, showcasing his interest in themes of control and surveillance.”
• “The film’s bleak, gray visual palette was a deliberate choice to reflect the resource-depleted and oppressive atmosphere of the dystopian future.”

🖥️ How to Watch Metropia?

As of October 2024, ‘Metropia’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for availability on other streaming services. Unfortunately it’s not widely available and may be difficult to find on major streaming platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Brazil (1985): Shares a similar dystopian vision of a bureaucratic and oppressive future society where individuality is suppressed.
• 1984 (1984): Explores themes of surveillance, mind control, and the loss of individual freedom under an authoritarian regime.
• Dark City (1998): Features a protagonist who uncovers a conspiracy involving the manipulation of reality and identity, with a distinct noir aesthetic.
• Renaissance (2006): Is set in a dark, futuristic Paris where a detective investigates the disappearance of a scientist, uncovering corporate secrets and dystopian elements, using a unique black-and-white animation style.

🛒 Metropia Related Products

• George Orwell’s 1984: The classic dystopian novel that explores themes of surveillance, mind control, and totalitarianism, highly relevant to ‘Metropia’.
• Brazil (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Terry Gilliam’s ‘Brazil’, a dark and satirical dystopian film with similar themes of bureaucratic control and societal decay, presented in high-quality Blu-ray format.
• Dystopian Fiction Collection: A collection of digital ebooks containing dystopian novels such as ‘Brave New World’ and ‘Fahrenheit 451’, providing further reading on similar themes.
• Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure: Sci-Fi Character: Collect iconic Sci-Fi characters. These vinyl figures often represent a memorable character that would fit nicely into a Sci-Fi fans collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Divided By Night” – performed by Krister Linder
• “Pulsing” – performed by Krister Linder
• “Dangst Shampoo Commercial Music” – performed by Unknown

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Krister Linder and Noisia – Metropia (Kyama Dubstep Remix)

Love the haunting vibe of Metropia? Check out this awesome dubstep remix of the main theme! It’s a cool take on the original and really highlights the dark, futuristic feel of the movie. This track is a banger!

✨ Rate