Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival 2023 – Writer/director Eddie Alcazar’s Divinity is a trip alright, a film where the visuals are likely to be remembered more than the storyline. It’s not that the feature doesn’t have a plot per say, but the narrative often takes a backseat to the arresting images and sound design. Whatever flaws the movie may have, especially in the writing, it’s impossible to look away.

It’s not totally clear when the black and white film is set, but humanity is undergoing a crisis. The human race has nearly ceased populating. Instead, everyone opts for a serum called Divinity, essentially immortality packaged in perfume-like bottles and sold via stylized commercials and sex appeal. The company that makes the drug is run by mogul Jaxxon Pierce (Stephen Dorff), whose father, Sterling Pierce (Scott Bakula), created Divinity with the best of intentions. Minutes into the runtime, Jaxxon is kidnapped by two brothers, played by Moises Arias and Jason Genao. To the bros, Jaxxon Pierce is a total menace whose serum corrupts humanity. Meanwhile, the brothers hook up with the sassy Nikita, played by Karrueche Tran. Through her, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that warranted much more time than it’s given. While the film certainly features some well-known names, Tran intrigues the most. Her character chooses creating new life over a chance at immortality, setting her apart from what remains of humanity. This is another thread that deserved far more attention than it’s given.

There’s another storyline regarding Bella Thorne’s character Ziva, who leads a group of women that basically abduct other women to save them from the corrupting influence of Divinity, in the hopes of continuing life. Out of all the plot threads, and there are many here, this one feels the most undercooked. It’s a shame that Thorne has such little screen time, playing a character with not nearly enough to do.

That said, like any good sci-fi movie, Divinity poses some serious questions. Would you pick immortality over creating new life? That’s really the philosophical heart and drive of the film. However, these substantive issues are often secondary to the visuals. Simply put, this film’s images and Danny Hiele’s cinematography are absorbing. This must be seen on a big screen. There are times this feels like a 1950s B movie, complete with a snarling and grunting monster in the final act, while other times, the feature feels like nothing we’ve seen before, something truly otherworldly. This movie may center style over substance, but when something looks this good, some of the duller plot points can be forgiven.

Despite some of the big names featured in Divinity, no one really has a knockout performance here. Still, this feature has thought-provoking visuals and interesting philosophical quandaries. Stylistically, it’s a cross between David Lynch and classic sci-fi. Yet, somehow, despite the clear influences, Alcazar managed to craft a world that feels both alien and familiar. Divinity is one of the year’s most riveting, ambitious, yet baffling films. It’s flawed, for sure, but utterly bewitching.

7 out of 10