Scarlett Johansson‘s sci-fi flick from 2014, Lucy, has stormed onto the Netflix US top ten list, claiming the tenth spot.
Directed and written by Luc Besson, the film offers a peculiar blend of inane science fiction and gangster drama, with Johansson leading the charge in a role that is as mind-bending as it is action-packed.
Lucy unfolds as the titular character, played by Johansson, inadvertently becomes a superhuman after a synthetic drug is implanted in her body. The plot takes a wild turn as Lucy gains unimaginable powers, transforming her into a formidable force capable of defying the laws of physics and unravelling the secrets of the universe.
When asked about why Johansson chose to work on Lucy, she told Vulture, “When I first met Luc, I was doing a Tennessee Williams play that was visceral and raw, and this project seemed so abstract. It was challenging in a different way because the character is in this constant state of transition and struggles to hold onto the nuances of herself and her life that make her who she is—that make her human, in her mind. In comparison to the work that I was doing when we met, it seemed like a totally different challenge. It just fit. I didn’t even know how to do it; I just felt I could.”
The film’s unique premise has drawn both praise and criticism over the years. Some viewers appreciate the unexpected mashup of genres. On the other hand, critics argue that the film’s story tends to spiral into popcorn sci-fi territory for it to be anything more than a timepass watch.
Despite the film’s unexpected popularity on Netflix, it is essential to note the controversial legacy of Luc Besson. The French director has faced serious allegations of sexual assault, tarnishing his reputation and raising questions about the ethics behind his creative endeavours. This shadow over Besson’s career has led some to reevaluate his body of work, including Lucy and other films like Léon: The Professional and The Fifth Element.
