FOE is a movie set in a future world, starring the incredible actress Saoirse Ronan and the talented actor Paul Mescal. The film follows the lives of a couple, Hen (Saoirse Ronan) and her husband, Junior (Paul Mescal), as they navigate a world on the brink of apocalypse. FOE portrays the end of the world through the desolation of a remote farm and Junior’s secluded family home. In addition to its apocalyptic setting, the movie explores the complex dynamics of a troubled marriage, all wrapped in a slightly thrilling atmosphere with an unpredictable plot.
The movie begins with Hen’s monologue about her life as a woman living in an apocalyptic world alongside her alcoholic husband, Junior. She feels trapped and isolated in Junior’s secluded family home and farm. Hen wants to escape their current life and start anew, but Junior is determined to remain in his family’s home forever. Their relatively peaceful existence takes a turn when a stranger arrives at their door with a proposal to take Junior away for an exploration mission to a new Earth.
Junior has been selected by the Explorers’ Council to embark on a critical mission to explore a new Earth, a task that holds immense importance for the future of humanity. However, Junior is deeply reluctant to leave Hen, his beloved wife, alone at home, knowing how much his absence would affect her. Recognizing this emotional conflict, the council proposed an extraordinary solution: creating a clone of Junior. They assured Hen that the clone would be indistinguishable from the original Junior in every way physically, mentally, and emotionally. The clone would share his habits, behavior, and even his memories, ensuring that Hen would not feel the absence of her husband while he was away on his mission.
Shrouded in sadness, they cherished their time together and began to nurture a love that had previously been weak. Hen, who had previously despised her husband for confining her to Junior’s family home, now found herself deeply needing Junior by her side. They shared their best moments together before Junior left her. Despite this, Hen’s desire to leave the farm remained strong. Until everything changed her life forever, as well as Junior’s.
FOE managed to make me cry. The chemistry between Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal was truly remarkable. A strange storyline doesn’t mean the actors performed poorly. The plot twist was excellent and I didn’t expect anything like what FOE delivered.
The storytelling in this film might feel a bit unpolished and very straightforward, which makes it seem less refined. However, the story FOE presents is unique. The idea of creating a clone that looks and acts exactly like the original blurs the lines of identity and relationships. This adds a realistic and interesting complexity to the dynamic between Hen and Junior. Even with its simple execution, the film does a good job of showing the emotional struggles in their relationship.
This film does a great job of playing with the audience’s emotions, drawing them into the story. Even though FOE received low ratings on many platforms, it still manages to leave a strong impression. The film shows the deep and heartfelt emotions of its characters while giving a realistic look at what family life can be like. Through its emotional moments, Foe tells a story that feels relatable and highlights the struggles and connections that come with relationships.
On the other hand, the selected soundtrack was supporting the story very well, especially the song titled Wouldn’t Dream of It by Joyce Heath. It shows how pathetic their life is to each other, even though their relationship does not end well, their moments together remain beautiful. FOE’s background music enhances the emotional weight of the story, emphasizing the sense of longing and loss that runs throughout the film. The soundtrack plays a crucial role in reinforcing the themes of love, betrayal, and the complexity of human connections, making the film’s emotional impact even more powerful.
The isolated setting of the farm, coupled with the stark landscapes, visually reinforces the characters’ feelings of loneliness and entrapment. The moments of silence and emptiness amplify the tension between the characters, making every interaction feel more intimate and charged with meaning. The visual storytelling subtly mirrors the characters’ internal struggles, adding another layer to the overall experience.
One of the interesting aspects is the way the story portrays Junior’s clones. This aspect made me question what is more important—the person or the feelings? Through this movie, my question is finally answered with a beautiful response that I could not have expected, especially when I initially thought the movie wouldn’t be very good, as the reviews online suggested. The idea of replacing a loved one with a clone raises profound questions about what makes a person truly unique.
The film also gently explores themes of personal freedom and the desire for independence. Hen’s early frustration with Junior keeping her in the family home reflects the struggle for independence in a relationship. Her wish to leave the farm is not just about the physical space but also about finding her own identity beyond being Junior’s wife. This desire for freedom contrasts with the growing emotional attachment she starts to feel toward Junior’s clone, showing the conflict between wanting independence and being emotionally dependent.
The ending of FOE is both unsettling and thought-provoking. As the story unfolds, the audience is left wondering if the clone is truly a replacement for Junior or just a reminder of what has been lost. The unclear ending keeps viewers interested, encouraging them to think about the complicated relationships shown in the film. It is a movie that doesn’t give easy answers but invites the audience to think about the uncomfortable truths of human emotion, love, and identity.
While FOE may not have received praise from critics, its deep themes and emotional depth make it a memorable film for those who like exploring the complexities of human relationships. It might not have the usual excitement of a science fiction movie, but its focus on identity, love, and loss makes it a powerful experience. Whether it’s the chemistry between the lead actors, the haunting soundtrack, or the thoughtful story, FOE leaves a lasting impression on its viewers, making them question what it truly means to love and be loved.
Our Score: 6/10
Title: FOE
Production: Anonymous Content, See-Saw Films, dan I Am That Productions
Director: Garth Davis
Story: Lain Reid
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Paul Mescal, Aaron Pierre
Petricia Putri Marricy
E-mail: petriciamarricy@gmail.com
IG: mricyls
