Let’s get this straight from the very off, although the premise of teleportation as a means of travel is central to the themes of Teleport, this isn’t a sci-fi movie. We’ll say it’s sci-fi adjacent instead. What it is, is a masterful treatise on illegal immigration and sex trafficking. It should also be noted that there is no room for levity here either, Teleport is as bleak as all hell and it needs to be. The themes it explores are dark, grisly and oftentimes disturbing.
In a futuristic state, formally known as Moldova, a gay couple are in hiding from a government that believes they shouldn’t exist. After a run in with the law, they turn to human smuggler who could be their ticket to the Promised Land that is England. To say anymore would stray in to spoiler territory, and truly the best way of watching this is knowing as little of the plot as possible.
Everything about this movie hits the mark. For its budget, the cinematography is top notch, from the wide-open vista of the film’s opening to the almost claustrophobic close ups of the stately home location later in the film. The sound design pops with deafening gun shots that make you feel the bullet entering your skull and picks up on every whim and whimper of the cast.
Speaking of the cast, this predominantly female cast (as you expect from a film with its central themes) sparkle on screen. Our lead, who faces an out of the frying pan in to the fireplace style arc, conveys every emotion without resorting to melodrama, instead, using mere glances or minor movements to convey horror at the situation she finds herself in. The rest of the supporting cast are just as good, with the character of Orla being a stand out performance in a cutesy kind of menace.
There’s little more to say then, than this comes highly recommended indeed. A sucker punch of a movie that unflinchingly weaves a tale of feminine power over adversity. Oh, and did we mention the ending? One that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled.
TELEPORT is out now on digital platforms.
