Kimi (2022)

 

Streaming Service: HBO Max
Movie Name/Year: Kimi (2022)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Length:  149 minutes
Rating: R
Production/Distribution: New Line Cinema, Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures Germany, HBO Max
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: David Koepp
Actors: Zoë Kravitz, Erika Christensen, Rita Wilson, Devin Ratray, Jaime Camil, India de Beaufort, Robin Givens, Jacob Vargas, Charles Halford, Emily Kuroda, Caleb Emery
 
IMDb Blurb: An agoraphobic Seattle tech worker uncovers evidence of a crime.

 
Cat’s Point of View:
Kimi snagged my attention from the jump. The movie might have landed as #7 on my personal Top 20 Movies to Look Out For in February 2022 list, but that was only because of the stiff competition within my top 10 picks. The premise was interesting, the production team solid, and Kimi had a banging cast on board.
 
With a dynamic duo such as David Koepp (Angels & Demons, Premium Rush, You Should Have Left) and Steven Soderbergh (Contagion, Logan Lucky, High Flying Bird) writing and directing, respectively, it’s no wonder the end product was high quality. The story embraced technology and wove both a love letter and cautionary tale at the same time. Simultaneously, they managed to successfully portray the main character’s agoraphobia. My heart was in my throat as she faced down her fears. I was on this rollercoaster and by the end of the ride, I found it not only well worth my time, but I’d take the ride again.

 
Before I get too far down the rabbit hole, I feel I have to digress a little. The tech utilized in the story of Kimi as well as the company that was responsible for it both gave me chills. We already exist in a time when our devices eavesdrop on us. How many times have you had a pop-up ad on your phone or computer shortly after talking about that very product? I can’t tell you how many times it has happened to me. Also, do we really read all of the terms and conditions of every program and application we use on a daily basis? I’ll be the first to admit I don’t always. What have we given these companies permission to do? What have we unwittingly signed away?  Things that make you go ‘hmm.’ Such are the issues that this plot tackled.
 
Albeit, this story isn’t driven by an eavesdropping device. It was close enough to be uncomfortable in that regard, however. I will refrain from following the white rabbit on secure data storage and proprietary customer information access. No, that’s a rant for another day I promise.

 
Zoë Kravitz (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Big Little Lies, The Batman) was bloody brilliant in her role as Angela Childs. In a very short time, she effectively conveyed the story of how she became a shut-in and the varying layers to her complicated existence. I have to give serious kudos to both her and the production team for crafting a character that was badass while neurodivergent without reducing them to a pitiful mess.
 
It’s safe to say I really enjoyed Kimi and even watched this one with my teen. She was right along with me rooting for Angela, and we both giggled at the cameo appearance that defied our expectations. If you have access to HBO Max, Kimi would be an enjoyable stream for fans of the crime thriller genre.

 
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 90%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 52%
Metascore – 78%
Metacritic User Score – 5.0/10
IMDB Score – 6.3/10
 
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 4/5
 
Movie Trailer: