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[fearsmagazine]

CEREBRUM - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Glasshouse Distribution.

SYNOPSIS:  In order for Tom to make ends meet he returns to his childhood home in Texas  and signs on as a test subject at his father’s, Kirk, home-based lab. Along with his father’s assistant Bhuvanesh, Kirk is attempting to finalize a technology that will allow him to backup the human brain. When Tom commits a crime he cannot remember, he  risks his own sanity to reveal the truth and finish what his father began with the help of his childhood friend Chloe.

REVIEW: It’s interesting how as technology has developed the future of brain research and the journey into the human mind has impacted science fiction. In 1983’s “Brainstorm” there was a tap device that could record the human brain and be used by another person to experience the playback. In the 1990 adaptation of the Philip K. Dick shorty story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” into “Total Recall” there is a massive computer device that can alter and implant memories to reshape an individual’s grasp of their reality. Brandon Cronenberg’s (yes, David’s son) 2020 film “Possessor” deals with a secret government agency that has the ability to use brain-implant technology to inhabit other people's bodies in order to achieve their objectives undetected. Many of these films rely on flashy production designs and visually impressive looking futuristic technology to tell their stories.

Arvi Ragu’s CEREBRUM features some interesting looking technology that is grounded in a design that feels like the not so distant future. When you consider all the great American inventors, many of whom looked like, or they did indeed, work out of their homes or garages, such as Edison or the Hewlett-Packard (HP) company. Tom’s father Kirk is working out of his garage with a technology that interfaces with skin contact, much in the same way many devices we use today have apps that keep track of many of our health stats. The data that his technology collects is stored on these small discs that are put into a device that can be worn on the wrist. That information can then transform the wearer into the person whose data it is, but for a limited time. The whole research and implementation foundation he lays out seems practical and allows the view to go along for the ride.

Ragu works with a talented cast to tell his sci-fi thriller. Veteran actor James Russo adds this edge and gruffness to a character that we rarely see. Also, he’s not a “mad scientist,” but he is driven by the tragedy of what happened to his wife, Tom’s mother, to develop this technology. Most of all, he comes across as the “every man,” with a lack of perfection when it comes to his relationships and his shortcomings. Christian James plays his son Tom. There are some great scenes with him and Russo, as well as those with his co-star Alexxis Lemire. The chemistry sells the drama and adds to the tension and mystery of the tale.

In terms of the cinematography, costume designs, and other production designs, Ragu takes it in a different direction from what we normally expect from this type of story. By setting it in Texas, the film has a lot of browns, deep reds, and burnt orange to overlook that makes it feel more like a western then a sci-fi film. In the overall context of the narrative it works and makes for an engaging view.

The film’s climax makes these big leaps in what could easily have become a shell game or three card monte trick. I was afraid that it might become a bit confusing but Ragu does an amazing job of keeping it on point and delivers a clean and satisfying resolution. Given the circumstances the viewer early on knows that Tom is innocent for a variety of reasons, but the mystery of who actually did it keeps the viewer engaged.

CEREBRUM is the feature film directorial debut of Arvi Ragu. He delivers a soldi sci-fi thriller with an impressive narrative and some breathtaking and unexpected visuals. He does an excellent job of using the sci-fi elements to lay the foundations for the thriller aspect of the story, and successfully weaves in these character elements that we’d find in a solid drama about family and personal relationships. It’s an extremely satisfying view that probably looks even more amazing on a big screen. There are a couple of imperfections in the film, but they fail to detract from the overall quality of the film and my enthusiasm to experience Ragu’s next film.

CAST: Christian James, Alexxis Lemire, James Russo, John Ruby, Anirudh Pisharody. CREW: Director/Screenwriter/Producer - Arvi Ragu; Screenplay - Gary D. Houk; Producers - Siraj Narsi, Anirudh Pisharody, & Jill Von Dae; Cinematographers - Jakob Lofberg & Ron McPherson; Score - Edward Antonio; Editor - Jon Blaze; Production Designer - Sonja Kroop; Costume Designer - Nina Fuller. OFFICIAL: www.cerebrummovie.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/cerebrummovie/ TWITTER: N.A. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/576CiN7Uozc RELEASE DATE: On Demand May 4th, 2021

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay),  or 👎 (Dislike) Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

[fearsmagazine]

In the sci-fi thriller CEREBRUM  we meet Tom, in order to make ends meet he returns to his childhood home in Texas  and signs on as a test subject at his father’s, Kirk, home-based lab. Tom, along with his father’s assistant, is working with Kirk as he attempts to finalize a technology that will allow him to back up the human brain. When Tom commits a crime he cannot remember, he risks his own sanity to reveal the truth and finish what his father began with the help of his childhood friend Chloe.

Director, co-screenwriter, and producer Arvi Ragu makes his feature film directorial debut with CEREBRUM. With a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Computer Science it is little wonder that Arvi’s first feature be set in a sci-fi world. Now a native of Houston, TX, Arvi was born and raised in India. While in college he caught the acting bug and while acting in several short films fell in love with the mechanics of filmmaking and went on to direct several short films. 

The interview features some of the score from the CEREBRUM as well as some  other pieces by composer Edward Antonio.

CEREBRUM will be released by Glasshouse Distribution On Demand May 4th, 2021.