Once upon a time when playing console games, you either had to make it all the way to the end of the game without losing all of your lives, or obtain a password to return to a specific level. Then, as gameplay and machine advanced, the memory card came along, followed by the auto save function. This advancement has made it less stressful to complete a game, but how would a real world application work? This is the question that the new Czech language cyberpunk thriller, Restore Point, seeks to answer.
Set in Central Europe in the near future of 2041, technology has progressed to the point that people’s memories and minds can be ‘backed up.’ Restore Point opens with a series of text that sets up the world. A socioeconomic decline has seen a spike in crime, but the Restoration Institute has devised a safety net. All citizens now have the constitutional right to be revived in the case of unnatural death. Essentially, everyone is walking around with a machine that periodically saves their consciousness. The only catch though is that the data legally needs updating every 48 hours, or the person will be lost forever. Not everyone is happy with this new method of life extension, and a bitter war is being raged on cities by the organisation known as The River of Life.
With the scene set, Restore Point joins Detective Em Trochinowska (Andrea Mohylová) who has a grudge against the fanatical cult. Whereas they are anti restore points, Trochinowska is seen frequently uploading herself. This is partially due to the nature of her work, but is also driven by a personal tragedy. Her new case will test her faith in the machine however, as a simple murder investigation stimulates and delves deep into conspiracy theories that could change society as Trochinowska knows it.
Restore Point is a fascinating exploration of mankind’s fascination with mortality. The differing sides present counterpoints that ask the viewer to decide which side they would choose themselves. At the same time, Restore Point presents a wonderfully tricky tech noir mystery to piece together. Trochinowska has to traverse a lot of information, half truths, and lies before she is able to unpick the riddle. Around every new corner is a new point of intrigue; murder mystery fans will enjoy the thrill of trying to figure out the case.
Andrea Mohylová is fantastic as Trochinowska. A role typically played by a man, she has both an inner and outer strength. Just as her male counterparts usually would, Trochinowska is viewed as the hot-tempered rogue of the force. Her journey finds perceptions changed as Trochinowska begins to question her own actions. Although stepping into a part traditionally reserved for men, Trochinowska does not have the same easy ride. Instead she is a woman caught up in patriarchal feuds, something that leads to plenty of friction.
The only point that drags Restore Point down is its setting. 2041 feels far too close for the apparent technology level of society to be plausible. Whilst it is easy to see how a massive socioeconomic decline could have hit hard by 2041, the technology is harder to swallow. It’s not just memory backups, but also the other items of tech that are glimpsed and gleaned. One example is a digital newspaper. This creation is the same dimensions as a paper newspaper, and even folds like one, but is entirely digital. It’s an odd choice considering most people get their news digitally via their devices. Were the time period to be 2141, the setting would be much easier to accept. As it stands, some will find it takes a little while before they can fully settle in with the environment. Of course, this is a work of fiction and should not be scrutinised too closely.
Were Restore Point to be likened to pre-existing properties, they would be Altered Carbon, Upgrade, Minority Report, with maybe even a sprinkling of Johnny Mnemonic. That is to say that Restore Point wears its cyberpunk influences on its sleeve. The result is a compelling crime thriller made more fascinating by its science-fiction philosophical musings. An easy contender for an English language remake, do yourself a favour and discover Restore Point early, lest its heritage be tainted later on.
Restore Point
Summary
Restore Point presents a beguiling murder mystery, conspiracy thriller wrapped in cyberpunk aesthetics that will entrance those with sci-fi and tech noir leanings.
Restore Point was reviewed at Fantasia International Film Festival.
