In Advantageous, writers Jennifer Phang and Jacqueline Kim imagine an intriguing near-future where rapid technological and economic advancement has left humanity in its wake. The middle-aged workforce find themselves redundant in a society where they simply cannot keep up with the rate of progress. Meanwhile, the myriad of options, information and awareness has left the youth crippled under the pressure to out-perform. In this seemingly progressive world, child prostitution is on the rise, depression and anxiety have become the norm and the divide between the rich and the poor has turned into a fatal chasm between opulence and destitution.
Advantageous fills an interesting space in the still rather narrow niche of feminist science fiction. There are no kick ass heroines (the underused Jennifer Ehle's cold and calculating Isa is the closest the film has to a femme fatale) and no fight scenes. There are no skimpy latex cat suits, gold bikinis or tiny white panties, and precious little romance of any sort. What we have, instead, is a film written and directed by, and starring, middle aged women. Though the film has elements of a slow-burning dystopian thriller, director Jennifer Phang expresses more of an affinity for Victorian novels focused on navigation of class, social status, devotion to family and intrinsic value systems. This is not a film about female empowerment, but a multi-layered meditation on the future from a human perspective that happens to be female.
The plot involves Gwen (Jacqueline Kim), a devoted single mother who works hard to not only provide for her daughter Jules (Samantha Kim), but to instill in her a hope and humanity she senses will be necessary for her survival. As Jules grapples with existential questions and a creeping hopelessness, Gwen encourages her to embrace the lighter things in life: spontaneity, nature; humility and an appreciation for her own intrinsic value. But when Jules' excellent academic results are not enough to secure her future in an excessively competitive marketplace, Gwen's maternal instincts kick in and she sets her life on a trajectory to do whatever is necessary to secure a future where Jules will have options. As in many classic Victorian novels, Gwen's refusal to rely on a man leaves her on the brink of ruin with dwindling economic options.
Amid questions about the cost of progress, the commodifying of advantage, and the futility of trying to outsmart our human limitations, the heart of Advantageous is about community and vulnerability in a world that makes too many harsh demands. The film seems to suggest that, like our society, we humans are more than the sum of our components. Ultimately, our true identity might be best found in the messy reality of relationships.
Co-writer Jacqueline Kim makes for a poised and compelling protagonist; always present with a flawed, vivid inner world. There is a touching authenticity and frankness in the scenes between her and the talented Samantha Kim. The film struggles more when it comes to its visual FX. The sweeping cityscapes and hologram communication feel oddly dated, and not in a retro way. You feel the lack of budget not only in the details, but in the design. Perhaps less would have been more and the film's spell cast more vividly if it was left to the strong writing and performances to convey the nature and impact of this particular future.
