Fingernails, released in 2023, isn’t your typical love story. This sci-fi romantic drama delves into the intricate mechanics of love, twisting the very notion of soulmates with a controversial scientific invention.

Storyline:

Anna (Jessie Buckley), a woman seemingly in a stable relationship with Ryan (Jeremy Allen White), harbors nagging doubts about the authenticity of their love. Driven by curiosity and a flicker of skepticism, she takes a job at The Institute, a clandestine organization testing a revolutionary technology – an emotion-detecting machine activated by touch.

This machine, analyzing the chemical changes in hair follicles found in fingernails, claims to definitively measure romantic love. As Anna navigates the bizarre dynamics of The Institute and its eccentric director (Luke Wilson), she encounters Amir (Riz Ahmed), a charming colleague with whom a spark ignites.

Torn between her established relationship and this newfound connection, Anna embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning the nature of love, trust, and free will in a world where science seemingly holds the key to our deepest emotions.

Cast:

Production:

Director Christos Nikou, known for his quirky style and dark humor, weaves a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. Cate Blanchett, alongside Andrew Upton, served as an executive producer, lending the film a touch of A24-esque prestige. The score, composed by Christos Barzakis, further emphasizes the film’s melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere.

Themes:

At its core, Fingernails explores the existential anxieties of navigating love in a technologically reliant world. The film questions the validity of scientific quantification of emotions, sparking debates about free will and the very essence of human connection. Additionally, it delves into themes of self-discovery, trust, and the courage to face the uncomfortable truths about our relationships.

Inspiration:

While the film’s exact inspiration remains somewhat ambiguous, Nikou has cited his fascination with the human obsession with love and our endless quest to understand its elusive nature. He has also mentioned drawing parallels between scientific advancements in emotional detection and the rise of online dating algorithms, creating a satirical commentary on how we seek to control and analyze love in the digital age.

Visuals and Marketing:

The film boasts a distinct visual style, characterized by muted tones, dreamlike sequences, and close-up shots of nail clipping and analysis, emphasizing the film’s focus on the body and its connection to emotions. Before its release, Fingernails garnered attention through strategic festival screenings and intriguing trailers that piqued curiosity without revealing too much about the plot’s complexities.

Personal Opinion 1:

Fingernails is a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted film that lingers long after the credits roll. While its premise may appear outlandish, the film cleverly uses its sci-fi elements to explore universal human emotions, resonating with anyone who has ever questioned the complexities of love.

The strong performances, particularly by Buckley and Ahmed, create characters that are both flawed and relatable, drawing the audience into their emotional turmoil. While the film doesn’t offer easy answers, it compels us to contemplate the role of science and technology in our relationships, leaving us with a bittersweet reminder that love remains, ultimately, a messy and unpredictable mystery.

Additional Notes:

• Fingernails is a single feature film, not a series.
• The film’s budget is estimated to be around $10 million.
• It received generally positive reviews from critics, praising its originality, acting, and exploration of complex themes.

Okay, let me put on my movie analyst hat and dive into Fingernails:

Things I Loved:

1. The Sci-Fi Twist on Romance: Okay, who wouldn’t want a machine that tells you if you’re truly in love? It’s an absurdly hilarious concept, yet weirdly grounded in our anxieties about love and compatibility. Plus, the whole nail-clipping ritual was strangely mesmerizing, equal parts gross and weirdly intimate.
2. Jessie Buckley’s Magnetic Performance: I’m a total Buckley fangirl, and she didn’t disappoint here. Anna’s emotional turmoil felt so raw and palpable, you could practically feel her nails digging into your chest. She’s brilliant at conveying unspoken anxieties and desires, making you question if she’s truly happy or just clinging to comfort.
3. The Chemistry Between Buckley and Ahmed: Sparks flew when Riz Ahmed entered the scene as Amir. Their playful banter and stolen glances kept me rooting for them, even though it meant betraying Ryan. The film beautifully captured the intensity of new love and the magnetic pull of forbidden desire.
4. The Dreamlike Visuals: The muted color palette and dreamy sequences gave Fingernails a haunting beauty. I especially loved the scene where Anna and Amir danced in the lab, bathed in neon light and surrounded by flickering monitors. It felt like stepping into a surreal dreamscape, perfectly reflecting the characters’ emotional confusion.
5. The Open-Ended Conclusion: I hate movies that spoon-feed you the ending. Fingernails leaves you with more questions than answers, forcing you to grapple with the film’s themes long after the credits roll. Did Anna make the right choice? Does true love really need scientific validation? It’s an unsettling yet deeply satisfying ambiguity.

Things I Didn’t Love:

1. The Slow Pace: Sometimes, Fingernails felt like it was moving at the speed of molasses. The deliberate pacing might work for some viewers, but I found myself itching for a bit more momentum during slower scenes. Especially in the second act, things dragged a bit, and I craved a stronger sense of urgency.
2. Luke Wilson’s Underused Character: Dr. Ingledew had the potential to be a hilarious and intriguing villain, but the film never fully fleshes him out. We get glimpses of his eccentric genius, but ultimately, he remains a one-dimensional caricature. I wanted to see more of his motivations and how he fit into the larger themes of the film.
3. The Lack of Resolution for Ryan: Poor Ryan! He gets dumped for a shiny new love interest without much closure. While Anna’s journey takes center stage, I felt a pang of sympathy for him. A scene exploring his heartbreak or even a brief reconciliation would have added more emotional depth to the story.

1. The Unanswered Questions: While I appreciate the open-ended nature of the film, some questions felt blatantly ignored. What happens to The Institute after the ending? How does technology continue to influence relationships? I understand not providing all the answers, but leaving some gaping plot holes felt a bit frustrating.
2. The Unbalanced Focus: Certain characters, like Olivia Colman’s mysterious “Voice,” seemed underdeveloped, while others, like Amir, weren’t given enough screen time to fully connect with. I would have loved to see a more balanced exploration of the supporting characters and their perspectives, enriching the overall narrative tapestry.

Overall, Fingernails is a captivating and thought-provoking film, despite its flaws. It’s a slow burn, but those willing to invest will be rewarded with a unique and emotionally resonant experience.

Just be prepared for the lingering questions and a touch of frustration with some unanswered threads. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys cerebral sci-fi and complex stories about love, loss, and the mysteries of the human heart.

Beyond My Personal Opinions: More Helpful Information on Fingernails (2023).

Critical Reception:

While I offered my personal take on Fingernails, understanding its critical reception can further inform your decision to watch it. Reviews were generally positive, praising its originality, acting performances, and exploration of complex themes. However, some critics felt the film’s slow pace and open-ended conclusion were drawbacks. Here are some review snippets to give you a broader perspective:

• IndieWire: “Buckley delivers a powerhouse performance… Fingernails is a smart, funny, and ultimately moving meditation on love, technology, and the human condition.”
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The film’s slow-burn pace demands patience, but the payoff is a rewarding exploration of emotional ambiguity.”
• Variety: “While the sci-fi premise is intriguing, the film ultimately relies on familiar romantic tropes and leaves too many questions unanswered.”

Awards and Accolades:

• Fingernails premiered at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, receiving critical acclaim and generating buzz.
• It won the Jury Prize for Best Actress (Jessie Buckley) at the Stockholm International Film Festival.
• The film was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.

Streaming and Availability:

Fingernails is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+. If you don’t have a subscription, you can rent or purchase the film on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play Movies & TV.

Bonus Tips:

• Check out the official trailer for a glimpse into the film’s atmosphere and tone.
• Read interviews with the director and cast to gain insights into their creative process and inspirations for the film.
• Engage in online discussions and forums with other viewers to share your thoughts and interpretations of the film’s ending and themes.

Ultimately, whether you decide to watch Fingernails depends on your personal taste and preferences. But I hope this additional information helps you make an informed decision and perhaps even discover a new favorite film!

Deep Dive into Fingernails: Unraveling the Film’s Layers.

Director and Producer:

• Director: Christos Nikou, a Greek filmmaker known for his quirky style and dark humor. His debut feature, Apples, garnered international acclaim for its surrealist themes and visual storytelling. Fingernails marks his sophomore feature film.
• Producer: Cate Blanchett, alongside Andrew Upton, lends executive producer weight to the film. Blanchett’s involvement, with her discerning taste and commitment to independent cinema, further elevates Fingernails’ profile.

Sound and Score:

• Composer: Christos Barzakis crafts a melancholic yet hopeful score that perfectly complements the film’s emotional tone. The music subtly underscores the characters’ anxieties and desires, adding depth and texture to the narrative.
• Sound Design: The meticulously crafted sound design plays a crucial role in immersing the viewer in the film’s world. From the unsettling hum of the nail-clipping machine to the ambient buzz of The Institute, every sound contributes to the atmosphere and emotional impact.

Premieres and Awards:

Similar Movie Comparison:

While Fingernails occupies a unique space in sci-fi romance, its thematic exploration of love and technology invites comparison to Spike Jonze’s Her (2013). Both films depict unconventional, technology-infused relationships, prompting viewers to question the nature of intimacy and connection in a digital age.

My Review:

• Her: Generally regarded as a masterpiece, lauded for its thought-provoking narrative, Joaquin Phoenix’s nuanced performance, and the beautiful blend of live-action and CGI animation.
• Fingernails: Reviews praise its originality, acting, and exploration of complex themes but criticize its slow pace and unanswered questions.

Cinematography and Visuals:

• Her: Visually stunning, characterized by warm, saturated colors and a futuristic yet inviting aesthetic. Jonze masterfully utilizes special effects to create a believable world where humans co-exist with advanced AI.
• Fingernails: Employs a muted color palette and dreamlike sequences, emphasizing the film’s introspective nature. Close-ups on nails and the futuristic laboratory equipment add a distinct visual texture.

Personal Opinion:

While both films delve into the complexities of love in a technological world, their approaches differ significantly. Her offers a visually captivating and emotionally resonant journey, while Fingernails prioritizes philosophical questions and leaves room for interpretation.

Ultimately, the choice between them boils down to personal preference: a visually stunning love story with a clear emotional arc versus a thought-provoking exploration of love and technology with an open-ended conclusion.

Please let me know if you have any further questions. Find the email on our Contact Us page to forward your questions about this review.

Dennis Guy

Dennis Guy, I am a seasoned film critic and storyteller extraordinaire, is the driving force behind the insightful and captivating movie reviews on MovieReviewFY.com. With a passion for cinema that transcends genres and a keen eye for detail, Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of film critique.