Self/less Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich dude gets a new body and then gets mad about the fine print.

🍿 Self/less: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Damian’s Diagnosis and the ‘Shedding’ Procedure

Damian Hale, a wealthy and powerful real estate mogul, discovers he is dying from cancer. Estranged from his daughter, Claire, Damian seeks a way to extend his life. He learns of a radical and secretive procedure called ‘shedding’ offered by the Phoenix BioGenetic Corporation, led by Dr. Albright. This procedure promises to transfer his consciousness into a younger, healthier body for a hefty price of $250 million.

The Transition and New Life as Edward

Damian undergoes the shedding procedure and wakes up in a new body, resembling Ryan Reynolds, with a new identity as Edward Kidner. Dr. Albright prescribes red pills to suppress disturbing visions, claiming they are side effects. Damian begins a new life in New Orleans, making friends and enjoying his newfound youth and vitality.

Unraveling the Truth

When Damian misses a dose of his medication, he experiences intense visions of a woman and child. These visions feel more like memories than hallucinations, leading him to question Dr. Albright’s claims about the bodies being grown in a lab. Driven by these visions, Damian investigates and discovers the shocking truth about the origin of his new body.

Confrontation and Revelation

Damian discovers that his new body belonged to a former soldier named Mark Bitwell, who sold his body to Albright to pay for his daughter’s medical treatment. Now living in Mark’s body, Damian feels obligated to protect Mark’s wife, Madeline, and daughter, Anna. He finds himself battling Albright’s forces, who are determined to protect their secret and eliminate any loose ends.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Damian Hale (Ben Kingsley): A ruthless, dying real estate mogul who undergoes a consciousness transfer to extend his life.
• Young Damian/Mark Bitwell (Ryan Reynolds): The younger man whose body becomes the host for Damian’s consciousness, leading to a struggle for control.
• Madeline (Natalie Martinez): Mark Bitwell’s wife who is initially unaware that her husband’s body now houses Damian’s mind.
• Albright/Dr. Jensen (Matthew Goode): The seemingly benevolent scientist behind the ‘shedding’ procedure, who is revealed to have sinister motives and a hidden past.
• Anton (Derek Luke): Albright’s loyal henchman who undergoes multiple ‘shedding’ procedures, becoming increasingly ruthless.
• Martin (Victor Garber): Damian’s longtime friend and business partner who introduces him to the shedding procedure but has his own hidden agenda.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Damian: “What you and Judith went through, losing a child, that’s a tragedy. An old man dying… I’m supposed to say, ‘That’s life.’” – Damian expresses a sense of acceptance about his impending death while acknowledging the greater tragedy of losing a child.
• Damian: “It’s metastasized. Liver and lungs. This morning the oncologist was talking about hospice care.” – Damian describes the severity of his cancer, highlighting the urgency that drives him to seek radical solutions.
• Albright: “God created man. Man created immortality.” – Dr. Albright’s tagline encapsulates the film’s theme of playing God through advanced medical technology.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,279,691
• Worldwide Gross: $31,807,156

💥 Self/less Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Self/less not knowing what to expect, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. I really thought Ryan Reynolds did a great job portraying the ‘new’ Damian, it was fascinating to watch the character grapple with his new body and the secrets it held. I really enjoyed the scenes where he started experiencing Mark’s memories. While the action was a bit much at times, I found myself rooting for Damian/Mark to do the right thing, and the ending was genuinely touching. Definitely worth a watch if you’re into sci-fi thrillers!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in ethical dilemmas”
  • “Ryan Reynolds fans”
  • “Viewers who enjoy movies about identity and consciousness”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Action sequences”
  • “Brief language”
  • “Some disturbing images”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Self/less boasts an intriguing premise but struggles to fully explore its ethical questions. The film relies too heavily on action sequences, overshadowing the potential for deeper character development and philosophical exploration. While visually stylish, it ultimately becomes a generic thriller, squandering its unique potential.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite strong performances from its leads, Self/less fails to deliver on its initial promise. The film’s thought-provoking concept is undermined by a predictable plot and uneven pacing. While it offers moments of excitement, it lacks the depth and nuance needed to truly resonate with audiences.
• The Guardian: “Self/less offers a slick, stylish thriller experience but ultimately fails to fully explore its intriguing premise. The film is entertaining, but it loses its way by focusing more on generic action elements than philosophical explorations. A sci-fi film that could’ve asked more.

Audience Reactions

Loved the concept of transferring consciousness and the ethical questions it raised.: Viewers appreciated the unique storyline and the exploration of morality and identity.

Ryan Reynolds delivered a solid performance, balancing action and emotion.: Many praised Ryan Reynolds’ acting, noting his ability to portray both the physicality and emotional depth of the character.

Overall Consensus: Self/less presents an interesting premise with mixed execution, offering a blend of sci-fi intrigue and action, but ultimately falling short of its full potential.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The New Orleans house used in the film was previously featured in ‘Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles’ (1994) and was once owned by Nicolas Cage.”
• “Director Tarsem Singh is known for his visually stunning films; however, ‘Self/less’ marks a departure from his typical style, focusing more on the thriller aspect.”
• “The film explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of pursuing immortality through advanced scientific procedures.”

🖥️ How to Watch Self/less?

Self/less is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as it may vary by region. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Self/less, you might like these similar films:

• Face/Off (1997): Features a similar theme of transferring one person’s identity onto another, albeit through a different method.
• The Island (2005): Explores the moral implications of using human bodies for organ harvesting and extending life.
• In Time (2011): Deals with the concept of extending life indefinitely, but with significant social and economic consequences.
• Seconds (1966): The older man’s soul is transferred into the body of a much younger individual.
• Limitless (2011): A drug that unlocks the full potential of the brain, leading to enhanced abilities and dangerous consequences.

🛒 Self/less Related Products

• Self/less [Blu-ray]: Own the movie on Blu-ray for the ultimate high-definition viewing experience. Perfect for collectors and fans who want to revisit the film again and again.
• The Cell [Blu-ray]: Explore the visual world of director Tarsem Singh, a psychological thriller movie with Jennifer Lopez about entering the mind of a serial killer.
• The Bourne Identity [Blu-ray]: A man is picked up by a fishing boat, suffering from amnesia, before learning he has extraordinary skills and discovering he is a genetically-engineered assassin.
• Limitless [Blu-ray]: A man becomes addicted to a nootropic drug that turns him into a genius, but has serious side effects.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Big 1” – performed by Young Fellaz Brass Band

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rich Old Man Transfers His Mind To A Younger Body But Complications Happen

Ever wondered what it would be like to transfer your consciousness into a younger body? This video gives a quick and engaging summary of ‘Self/less’, a movie that explores this fascinating concept with unexpected twists and turns.

Selfless (2015) Explained in Hindi / Urdu | Self/Less Full Summarized हिन्दी

If you’re a fan of ‘Self/less’ and want to dive deeper into its complexities, this detailed explanation in Hindi/Urdu is a must-watch. It sheds light on hidden meanings and provides a fresh perspective on the film’s themes.

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