By Jeremy Hannaford (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: June 18, 2014
Edge of Tomorrow breathes some fresh air into the film industry with a tale of time travel and sci-fi warfare. Based on the Japanese novel All You Need is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, it brings in elements from many sci-fi action films that fall short of their mark: the exosuits from Elysium, the mimic/sentinel aliens from The Matrix, and the macho military attitude from Starship Troopers. Edge of Tomorrow brings these together to form an incredible creative work.
The film uses the bizarre Groundhog Day concept in a future-war scenario, and it works so well, it feels like its own story. It’s interesting to see Tom Cruise embody the egotistical, self-righteous persona many believe is his regular routine — and to see how he rolls out of that persona as he fights over and over in a battle in which he always dies. While the film starring Bill Murray left the time-travelling paradox unexplained, Edge of Tomorrow gives an answer.
As Cage (Cruise) continuously discovers his newfound power and interacts with Rita (Emily Blunt), who had the power before, the connection between the two main characters builds a story that is intense, dramatic, and (something often overlooked in this genre) humourous.
Watching a person die continually can be humourous when handled carefully — it was bizarrely entertaining to see how many ways Cruise could kick the bucket. But the film doesn’t stay in a single dimension; Cruise and Blunt are just as interesting to watch.
The setting of the film was a surprise — not based in Japan (like its source material) or in the US (a great relief, considering how many alien invasion films are set there). Ironically released on the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the film’s recurring battle takes place on the beaches of France, where the humans try to launch a massive offensive against the alien aggressors.
These adversaries were a hidden feature of the film, having had little to no trailer exposure. It was truly a treat to see them when they finally appear on-screen — though terrifying at first. While their origin seems a little cliché, they are still relevant in the end; however, director Doug Liman hardly focuses on the aliens. The real conflict is Cage’s growing connection to Rita. Living through the same scenario repeatedly takes its toll on Cage, which Cruise displays well.
When we are first introduced to Cage, he is slimy and two-faced. But through his experience, we see an unwanted affection grow toward Rita — this, in turn, works against him, as her repeating death haunts him throughout the story.
Edge of Tomorrow takes a classic concept out of the norm, and boasts great acting from the two leads as well as some great action scenes. Doug Liman’s smooth directing paired with meticulous editing makes this film a great thrill from beginning to end … and then to the beginning again.
