Throughout its history, cinema has been one of the favorite means to reflect on the theme of immortality, one of the dearest to the human being, who has always aspired to be able to reach this eternal state, effectively defeating death and transience of life. There are numerous films that have dealt with these topics, each time from new points of view and with different genres. In 2015 it was the turn of Self/Less (here the review), science fiction film with thriller elements where the immortality of some turns out to be a condemnation for others. The Indian director is directing this feature film Tarsem Singh.

Written by the brothers David And Alex Shepherd, Self/Less had immediately attracted several film studios, who hoped that the film could establish itself on a par with similar titles such as Loopers And Limitless, sci-fi thrillers that offer good entertainment mixed with visions of hypothetical futures and deep ethical reflections. Unfortunately, Self/Less it did not achieve the same success, instead becoming a critical and public flop. In particular, many have complained about the gap between the initial idea and its development within the film. Despite its shortcomings, however, over the years the film has still earned its own search for fans.

Fans of the genre can in fact find in Self/Less a title that offers a new way of thinking about immortality, surrounding everything with action sequences of good impact. Rediscovering the film can therefore be a pleasant surprise. Before embarking on a vision of the film, however, it will certainly be useful to delve into some of the main curiosities related to this. Continuing here in the reading it will in fact be possible to find further details relating to the plot and al cast of actors. Finally, the main ones will also be listed streaming platforms containing the film in their catalogue.

Self/Less: the plot of the movie

The ultra-millionaire industrialist Damian Hale he has always been at the center of his own universe, mastering the art of power from his New York offices. Faced with the diagnosis of a tumor, however, Damian decides to undergo radical medical therapy to eliminate the virus, the “shedding” that will bring back the hands of his life. The therapy is given to him by Albright, brilliant head of a secret organization serving the wealthiest. Damian takes the opportunity offered to him and stages a fake death to cover up what is really just a “shedding”. His consciousness is transferred to the body of a man in full health and much younger than him.

Once the surgery is complete, he begins to adjust to his new body and new life in New Orleans. Always trying to keep the new identity and to defend his health, Damian becomes in all respects Edward Kidner. But the overwhelming images that crowd his mind don’t end with Albright’s reductive explanation of the side effects of immortality. When he meets Madeline, a single mother, Damian begins to unravel the mystery of Edward’s origins and those who will kill to protect the organization. Fighting with strength and resourcefulness, Damian is determined to defend his life and that of others.

Self/Less: the cast of the film

Playing the elderly Damian Hale is the Academy Award-winning actor Ben Kingsley. Despite being listed as one of the protagonists, however, he appears only in the first fifteen minutes of the film. When he undergoes the body switching operation, the role of young Damian is played by Ryan Reynolds. The actor, known today in particular for the character of Deadpool, also found himself having to interpret not only Damian, but also Mark Bitwell, the man who owns the body in which the old man has his consciousness transferred. For Reynolds, this was also the fourth of five films in which his character undergoes a body switch.

The actress Natalie Martinezalso seen in Death Race And Fragments from the past – Reminiscencehere plays Madeline Bitwell, the wife of Mark. Matthew Goodefamous for the film Watchmen and the series The Crownplays Dr. Albright, the creator of Shedding. Derek Luke plays the role of Anton, Damian’s new friend in his new life, while Victor Garber it is Martin O’Neill, a close friend of Elder Damian. Michelle Dockerybest known for her role as Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbeyplays Claire, Damian’s daughter.

The meaning of the movie Self/Lessthe trailer and where to watch it in streaming and on TV

As anticipated, the goal of Self/Less is to pose new reflections on the meaning of immortality. Beyond the narrative plot related to the conspiracy behind the shedding, during the film Demian understands how there is no point in living forever, if to do so he has to cause suffering to others. He therefore decides to return his new body to its rightful owner, accepting human mortality and understanding how it is precisely this inevitable end that gives value to everything. With Self/Less, therefore, the authors lead the viewer to reflect on what it would really mean to live forever. A condition that, beyond the apparent benefits, leads to having to live forever with one’s mistakes and pains.

It is possible to enjoy the film thanks to its presence on some of the most popular streaming platforms on the net today. Self/Less it is in fact available in the catalogs of Google Play, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Videos. To see it, once the reference platform has been chosen, it will be enough to rent the single film or subscribe to a general subscription. In this way you will be able to watch it in total comfort and at the best video quality. It should be noted that in the case of rental, there will only be a given time limit within which to view the title. The film is also present in the television schedule of Tuesday 9 May at 21:00 On the canal Italy 1.

Source: IMDb