Circle (2015)

Circle delivers exactly what is says on the tin and launches straight into the drama from the beginning. The idea is simple and hardly original (it felt very similar to Would You Rather, released in 2012), but it did keep my attention. Despite not knowing most of the cast (except Julie Benz), the performances were strong and the interactions between the characters felt authentic. More could've been done to provide back-story and insight into the characters, but the anonymity of the characters was in a sense a main component of the story because it placed everyone on an level playing field. What movies like this are great for is posing questions about humanity. Most of us consider ourselves to be good, moral people that believe in justice and equality, but when it comes down to a life or death situation how many of us would compromise our belief system in order to stay alive? It's an intriguing thought and it's what makes this movie interesting. I saw a previous reviewer comment that some of the decisions that were made throughout the movie didn't always make sense, and part of me thought the same at certain points (it seemed people jumped on the bandwagon and decided to execute someone just for speaking out), but considering there's a 2 minute time-limit on their decisions, it's understandable. It's fast-paced and pressurised from the beginning and personally, I think the characters behave in a very realistic way. They panic, find ways to cheat the system and survive and eventually accept that whether they like it or not they have to play along, so start making hard decisions on the basis of their personal beliefs and morals. In most instances, the choices of who is killed is fitting and understandable. What lets this movie down is the ending. It's a very intense movie all the way through and the ending leaves you feeling incredibly...deflated. I would've found it more satisfying if there had been a specific reason/purpose for the circle and a much better explanation than what we got. By the time it reached the end it really felt like it had all been for nothing. In addition, I think more development on the characters could've enriched the story. Similar to Saw, how each character is chosen because they've committed an immoral act, it would've been more interesting if each character was in the circle because they'd done something terrible and therefore in a sense deserved to die. Overall, I've seen much worse movies than this. It sustained my attention and nowadays, it takes a lot for a movie to do that. However, if more originality and thought had been put into the creation and execution of the movie, it could've been a 7 or even 8 star rating.

This movie is straight forward and simple. People are put in a room and are forced to vote on who dies next. People are disappointed with the ending and I can see why. Personally I find it kind of obvious what's going on, and I don't think it needs much explanation. Some outside force wants less humans in existence. I don't feel like there needs to be much explaining for that, if you do then you probably wont like this movie. I found this movie very terrifying because I was invested in it. This movie makes you question your own morals and judgement. Everyday people are put in a room, from all backgrounds and upbringings. This movie had me thinking to my self "Wow who I would vote for in this situation?" and I found that to be truly terrifying. How will you convince a room full of strangers to save your life? Your survival skills are put to the test and you have to what you have to do to survive. I found myself thinking is "Damn that's so messed up, but I would have voted for them too." Makes you be completely honest with yourself, and I enjoyed it.

An allegorical schematic which reveals the true face of people when they have the dilemma to benefit or save either themselves or others.

The Circle is a brilliant piece of story telling that dives deep into the human condition of self preservation. This movie makes it hard to stay objective. You will find yourself siding with one group of people, then another. You will roll your eyes, and even wish someone to be selected. You will see stereotypical behavior as the story plays out. Hey, I am trying to keep from giving too much away. This movie is not one of the kiddies, nor is it one for the night at the movies with the popcorn and soda. This movie is for the artistic movie lover who enjoys movies that make you think. Yes kiddies, this is a thinking persons movie. There is no action, no real drama, and zero special effect. The entire movie takes palace in one dark room. This is why the movie is awesome. When a writer can make you think and hold your attention for over an hour with a dark room and no special effects, you have a winner of a movie.