Advantageous
Futuristic drama exploring societal pressures and motherhood
About Advantageous
Released: 2015
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 1h 31m
Cast
Jacqueline Kim, James Urbaniak, Freya Adams, Ken Jeong, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Kim, Troi Zee, Olivia Horton, Jennifer Ikeda, Mercedes Griffeth
About Advantageous
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About
Advantageous is a science fiction drama film released in 2015. It was directed by Jennifer Phang and written by Jennifer Phang and Jacqueline Kim. The film is set in the near future where a struggling single mother named Gwen Koh (played by Jacqueline Kim) faces the threat of losing her job. In a desperate attempt to secure a better future for her daughter Jules (played by Samantha Kim), Gwen becomes the subject of a dangerous experimental procedure.
The film deals with themes of identity, sacrifice, and the choices we make to protect those we love. It provides an intimate and thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of technological advancements in a society driven by individual success.
Making / Production
Advantageous was produced on a modest budget and shot in several locations within the Bay Area, including San Francisco. The filmmakers utilized various practical and special effects to create the futuristic setting of the film, as well as to provide visual commentary on the themes explored.
Director Jennifer Phang aimed to create a visually stunning film while maintaining a focus on character-driven storytelling. The production team successfully integrated practical and digital effects to achieve this vision, resulting in a unique and immersive viewing experience.
Actors
- Jacqueline Kim as Gwen Koh - An actress known for her versatility, Kim delivers a powerful performance as a mother willing to sacrifice everything for her daughter's future.
- Samantha Kim as Jules - Samantha Kim portrays Gwen's daughter, bringing a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the role.
- James Urbaniak as Fisher - Urbaniak plays an important supporting character in the film, providing a nuanced portrayal of a supervisor overseeing Gwen's employment.
- Freya Adams as Isa Cryer - Adams delivers a compelling performance as Isa Cryer, a brilliant and influential executive who offers Gwen a chance at a better life.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The film Advantageous was initially a short film that premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.
- The screenplay for the feature-length film was developed from the original short and expanded upon by the director and writer, Jennifer Phang and Jacqueline Kim.
- The film's thought-provoking storyline and strong performances garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
- Advantageous explores themes of gender, technology, and societal pressures in an emotionally resonant manner.
Awards
Advantageous received several awards and nominations for its thought-provoking story, direction, and performances. Among the notable recognition received by the film are:
- Sundance Film Festival (2015) - Special Jury Award for Collaborative Vision
- Satellite Awards (2015) - Best First Feature
- San Francisco International Film Festival (2015) - Honorable Mention for Directing
Quotes
- "What matters is what potential employees have inside their heads, you see." - Isa Cryer
- "The world needs to know that there are people like Gwen, who would do anything for her daughter's sake." - Gwen Koh
- "We will resume the search for a more advantageous candidate." - Fisher
Music
The music for Advantageous was composed by Timo Chen. The score effectively captures the emotional depth and tension of the film, enhancing the viewing experience and conveying the character's inner struggles.
Soundtrack
Advantageous features a selection of songs that complement the film's atmosphere and themes. The notable songs included in the soundtrack are:
- "Advantageous" by Jacqueline Kim
- "Fading Hopes" by Violetakay
- "Fall Awake" by Jacqueline Kim
About Advantageous
In a dystopian future, a mother uses advanced technology to secure her daughter's future while facing societal pressures.