Body switching movies usually are the domain of endearing or silly comedies like “Big,” or “Freaky Friday.” “The Change-Up” comes to mind as a recent version and it even starred Ryan Reynolds, who conveniently for this segue also stars in another upcoming body swap movie “Self/Less.” But it’s actually a very serious sci-fi thriller about the quest for immortality where, thanks to modern technology and science, a dying rich billionaire (played by Ben Kingsley), is able to transport his consciousness into a much younger man (Ryan Reynolds).
But as sci-fi-ish cautionary tales are wont to do, playing God is not without its consequences, so the thrill of an old man, ported into the body of a younger man is brief. Here’s the official synopsis:
In this provocative psychological science fiction thriller, an extremely wealthy man (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley) dying from cancer undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the body of a healthy young man (Ryan Reynolds). But all is not as it seems when he starts to uncover the mystery of the body’s origin and the organization that will kill to protect its cause.
Directed by Tarsem (“Mirror, Mirror” and “Immortals”), “Self/Less” also co-stars Matthew Goode, Natalie Martinez, Michelle Dockery, Victor Garber, Melora Hardin and the thriller hits theaters today. Read our review and check out the clips and behind-the-scenes footage below.
