Clock Review: Hulu has brought us a science fiction horror that is written and directed by Alexis Jacknow. It marks Jacknow’s debut as a director and is produced by Leal Naim. The film is produced under the banner of 20th Digital Studio. The music is by Stephen Lukach with cinematographer Martim Viam as part of the team alongside Alexandra Amick as the editor for the film.
The cast of the film includes Dianna Agron as Ella Patel, Jay Ali as Aidan Patel, Melora Hardin as Dr. Elizabeth Simmons and Saul Rubinek as Joseph.
– Hulu’s Clock Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
Clock Review: The Ticking That Turns You Mad
Clock revolves around our protagonist named Ella Patel, she is a child-free, happily married woman, living her life with her husband- Aiden Patel. Ella has it all, a successful career as an interior decorator, a husband who loves and respects her, an adopted child named Joseph who is adorable and clearly loves her and, enough time to spend on herself and do the things she loves.
However, at 38, being child-free, biologically speaking, isn’t well accepted; even in this fictional society. Her friends and family put her through the constant pressure of having a child. She asks her husband his opinions and the matter and, he seemingly gives the right answer that his happiness lies in what Ella wants but, that only ends up upsetting Ella more, who feels like Aiden to wants a child as she continues to boil under the pressure of all the people surrounding her.
The issue we discover with Ella not having a child is that her biological clock is broken. So, when a chance encounter occurs where she gets to know about this new biotech firm that can give her what her life is missing, she makes the bargain to enrol herself in their clinical trial programme revolving around fertility.
The firm’s strong belief is procreation is the prime goal of evolution. Ella meets Dr. Elizabeth Simmons here who takes her through the process. But, the bargain she makes turns out to have a huge price to pay as the movie takes a turn that no one sees coming.
Clock: Final Verdict
Overall, Clock tries its best to deliver what it promises with colour palettes that give you the perfect eerie feel necessary for a psychological thriller paired with the music that aids the storytelling well enough to leave the characters and viewers distressed about what is happening/about to happen. One of the best parts about the film is how it takes up the issue of fertility, procreation and pregnancy. It correctly evaluates the pressure women who are child-free face in the world we live in and, delivers it with a bang.
Having said that, there is a lack of conviction in the way the narrative flows, which is rushed and jumbled up often enough. The cast delivers well but, not well enough to keep you invested in the plot throughout the film’s runtime. It is a decent thriller that will shake you up. However, is it deep enough to leave a mark? Well, we think not. But, you will have to watch it for yourself to be the better judge out of the two of us.
Clock has already had its world premiere at the Overlook Film Festival in New Orleans on March 31, 2023. It is now available for viewing on Disney+ as well as Hulu for viewing.