What if physics determined the laws of attraction? In a parallel world where human frequencies determine luck, love, and destiny, Zak, a young college student, must overcome science in order to love Marie, who emits a different frequency than his own. Allowed to meet for only one minute, once a year, Zak spends his life trying to find a way to change Marie’s frequency, experimenting on the laws of nature, putting in danger the cosmic equilibrium of fate and everything he holds dear.
Frequencies tells of a parallel Earth. One where science has permeated the public consciousness to a far greater extent than our own. Most children are nicknamed after famous scientists from history, the school science fair is a massive event and all this seemingly stems from the discovery that each person has a “frequency” that in essence determines the path of their life. Someone with a “high frequency” is bestowed with greater intelligence (at the expense of emotion) as well as good fortune; luck and fate being facets of this Universe too. Conversely, a “low frequency” has lower intelligence and a less blessed life. At a young age, children have their frequencies calculated and are set on their path, the ability to measure frequency creating a class system. The film follows Zak (low frequency) and Marie (high) through their childhood. They are drawn to each other, polar opposites, and yet only able to be near each other for one minute a year. Any longer and the natural order of the world becomes unbalanced. Is there a way they can be together?
This world and its premise is gradually introduced to you through intertwining tales from the perspective of Zak and Marie throughout their lives. Zak is besotted with Marie. Marie, lacking real empathy, is more fascinated with these feelings from a research point of view and so encourages their meetings, which can only occur once each year and for no longer than a minute. They push it longer and imbalance causes rainstorms, mild earthquakes and so on. As time progresses, so does their relationship and understanding of each other. The film effectively conveys the charms of Zak while eliciting sympathy for the cold Marie who, while she cannot experience the same emotion, at least wants to. After a few years apart, Zak returns from traveling having found a way to overcome their incompatible frequencies and be together. In spite of his “low frequency”. Zak has researched a way to balance their frequencies, reducing Marie’s intelligence to a more normal level but opening her up to a world of enjoyable and frightening emotions. It soon transpires that this manipulation also extends to some kind of hypnotic suggestion as a side effect. It is possible the emotions felt by Marie are not really her own. Soon, the couple are questioning the very foundation of their relationship as well as dealing with the small matter of the Government stepping in before Zak’s “manual” of control reaches the public.
It is an intriguing concept and relayed in a clever way structurally; almost like chapters of a book with segments delivered from different points in time and different points of view to fill the gaps. It is naturally teased that this world is different from our own and effectively draws you in. Subtle differences, but enough to notice.
There are also nuances like color choices for clothes to reinforce the differentiation between the high, medium and low classes. The look of the film at times veers between having a dreamlike feel and almost a clinical one, reminiscent of the two sides of Zak and Marie. At its core, Frequencies is a love story but wrapped up in Kaufman-esque ideas. We find that even in a more evolved and scientifically progressive society, classes will emerge. Prejudices against “lows” and dismissal of their possible contributions to society. The film questions whether you should accept your place and accepted convention or forge your own path in life, notably in regards to free will and relationships.
A film of this nature largely depends on the cast delivering and gladly they do. The child actors are impressive and the character (and quirks) permeate each age of Zak and Marie we spend time with. With the passing of time and developing of this relationship and emotions being key to the success, the actors all perform admirably. Eleanor Wyld in particular does a great job as adult Marie, depicting her emergence into the emotional world and the fears that go with it.
It is not without its flaws, budget restrictions at times give the film a restrained feel. There are many ideas that would be better fleshed out in a book than on film. It is a tale very much more about what is under the surface than what can be conveyed on screen. It is a bit of a difficult sell: why is Zak attracted to an emotionless shell of a person? Perhaps the draw between them could have been, in the early stages anyway, executed better. Also the ending stumbles only because it is ambitious in trying to present a wider impact of this method of control in history. This contrasts with the more intimate delivery of the rest of the film. Even the film’s problems, therefore, end up provoking thought and discussion.
Frequencies is an engaging watch and nestles nicely with a recent spate of festival circuit films such as L.F.O. and Coherence, which are both ambitious and clever as well as intimate and enjoyable. While an intelligent and focused project, some may be alienated by the coldness of the film. And don’t expect a more typical love story. But viewing with the understanding that this is a higher concept sci-fi tale encircling a love story, it will be appreciated by many. Frequencies is a film of small scale but with big ideas, and well worth your time.
Frequencies was originally released in the UK as OXV: THE MANUAL.
FREQUENCIES opens in select theaters and VOD on May 22nd, 2014. It is also available from iTunes here.