Passengers

Film poster from Sony/Columbia.

Last night I watched the movie Passengers, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, directed by the Morten Tyldum, most known for The Imitation Game. It's visually impressive, reminding me that by 2016, the year of its release, computer generated special effects were almost perfect. The cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto is stunning.

Passengers presents a moral conundrum that serves as a commentary on courtship and masculinity. The plot has been criticized by feminists, but I think it is fair to present the question about the relationship between the sexes in fiction. The story puts the debate about how men pursue women right in your face.

I don't want to dish up spoilers here but I would say it is a movie for almost any adult to watch. There were a couple of scenes that made me cringe as the filmmakers indulged in cliche, but for the most part it's an interesting and thought provoking story, and is more relevant now than ever.

I do not think we have arrived at an equilibrium between the forces of femininity and masculinity, and courtship norms. Social change is ongoing due to activism yet much of human behavior is directed by genetics and evolution. Some things can't be changed. That's my read on Passengers. Don't be afraid to confront the questions presented by the movie. I recommend it.