Black Box Movie Review: HL: Promising premise, forgettable execution

Let’s start with a question. How would you feel if you woke up one day, physically fine, but unable to recall the big memories of your life? Even worse, what if your ‘new’ behaviour isn’t similar to your previous self in the least? Of course it’s unimaginable till it actually happens to you, but so is the concept of uploading one’s consciousness on a drive ‘for use later’. But there is research happening on these lines as you read this, and there have been multiple examples in films/ shows around this concept (Transcendence, Replicas, Black Mirror, Upload, et al).So, on the concept front, Black Box is a little late to the party. But, it does have an interesting premise, a la Get Out. And there’s only as much that can be said without revealing the plot twist.Nolan (Mamoudou Athie) loses his memory and is struggling to figure out who he truly is. When physicians are unable to help, he seeks advice from Dr Lillian (Phycilia Rashad). She promises to make him better through an experimental gadget, the 'Black Box', which she has developed. Nolan’s sessions start but they confuse him further about his identity and life. So, what exactly is the 'Black Box' doing to Nolan?As the film begins, it has your attention. Like the protagonist, the viewer too is clueless about what is happening and what the next scene would unfold. In a way, you too are a part of the story, trying to make sense of the plot, in a good way so far. But around 40 mins into the film, things change; not for the better. A sense of déjà vu creeps in, whose impact is stronger than the creepy being Nolan sees in his memories. The whole experience feels like being part of the Black Mirror universe, with a sub-plot of Get Out. While focusing on the box and the protagonist, the makers neglect the other characters.You may want to try and look into a deeper meaning or plot at play in Black Box, but frankly, there’s nothing much to explore. The performances are the only good thing about this otherwise average film. While Mamoudou and Phylicia get better screen time, youngster Amanda Christine is the standout performer here. The kid brings a certain maturity to her role, much required when she’s playing the caretaker to her father in the film.This is the season for good horror stories or creepy films, thanks to the building spirit of Halloween, but as a starter, Black Box disappoints.