Imagine a world where respect law and order was priority above all else. One where those who enforced the law did so as they saw fit without constantly being judge by those they were charged to protect. Some might argue that such order would make countries “great again.” However, what if the cost for such a world meant having enforcement officials on every major intersection, within apartment hallways and even in the offices where you work?

Presenting a nightmarish vision of such a police state, director Reese Eveneshen’s science fiction thriller Defective is a slick look at a future not so far out of reach. Trapped in a society where the State EnforcementAuthorities, better known as S.E.A., administer justice on behalf of a corporate led system, society is divided by those who believe that the human-robot hybrid police force are agents of good, and those who want to challenge the system. On opposite sides of the coin, Rhett Murphy (Colin Paradine) and his estranged sister Jean Harlan (Raven Cousens) find themselves in a fight for there lives when they uncover a dark secret that S.E.A. is hiding.

Building on its chilling concept, Eveneshen crafts an action-packed thriller that is full of suspense and social commentary. As with any good dystopian tale, part of the reason the film is so effective is that it creates a world that is relatable to our own. Featuring plenty of action, one might not look at a drone the same way again, Eveneshen ensures that his characters stay at the forefront. Thanks to solid performances by Paradine and Cousens, as well as Dennis Andres, Jamie Elizabeth Sampson and Ashley Armstrong in supporting roles, Defective is an engaging science fiction tale that provides some food for thought while keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Screens:
Tuesday, October 17, 9:30 PM, Scotiabank Theatre

Ticket information can be found at the Toronto After Dark website.