In Garth Davis’ highly anticipated film, Foe, the future of the planet and a couple’s relationship intertwines with the possibilities of artificial intelligence in response to climate change. Adapted from Iain Reid’s acclaimed novel, Foe takes place in a near-future world devastated by the effects of climate change. The story revolves around Hen (played by Saoirse Ronan) and Junior (played by Paul Mescal), a couple living on a remote farm who become test subjects for an experiment that could determine the survival of humanity.
The film has been described as a genre mashup, blending elements of psychological thriller, horror, and science fiction. Director Garth Davis spoke about his attraction to the story during a post-screening discussion at the 2023 New York Film Festival. He was particularly drawn to the central relationship between Hen and Junior and how their involvement in the experiment allows them to re-evaluate their marriage and regain their agency. Davis sees the film as a deeply human story that explores our interconnectedness with the planet and the choices we make to improve both our own lives and the world around us.
The couple’s lives take an unexpected turn when they are visited by Terrance (played by Aaron Pierre), an official from a government agency responsible for human expansion into space. With the Earth on the brink of collapse, societies are searching for alternative ways of survival. Terrance presents Junior with a proposition: to test humans’ capacity to live on a newly built space station. This opportunity would separate the couple, who are already emotionally distant in their marriage. They have just over a year to prepare for Junior’s departure, during which time they must undergo psychological tests that strain their relationship. To make matters worse, it is revealed that an AI version of Junior will be left behind with Hen, further threatening their already fragile bond.
Amidst this personal turmoil, the couple exists in a world where the environment is in a constant state of retreat, while corporate industries continue to thrive. Director Garth Davis wanted to emphasize the connection between the couple’s relationship and the deteriorating environment. Junior’s farm and the way Hen lives with him represent the state of the natural world. Beyond that, the film explores a disturbing naturalism, depicting a landscape either wasted and exploited or vibrant with hollow towers used for tower-farming.
The backdrop of climate change and the development of human-like AI adds another layer of urgency and relevance to the film. For Davis, these themes felt imminent and eerily close to reality. Throughout the production process, he became increasingly aware of how the story reflected the world around him. As events unfolded during filming, Davis experienced moments that made him realize the story’s potential to become a reality.
While Foe primarily focuses on the deteriorating relationship of its characters, it gradually reveals darker and more sinister elements as the mystery unravels. Cinematographer Mátyás Erdély, chosen for his ability to navigate the tension and mystery of the story, helped bring the film to life. The director and Erdély worked together to calibrate the camera choices and performances to maintain the audience’s engagement while keeping them intrigued and confused.
The editing process, led by Peter Sciberras, further served to deploy and unravel the mystery beneath the love story. The challenge was finding the right balance between revealing and concealing information to keep the audience engaged yet maintain their curiosity and excitement.
The casting process, overseen by Francine Maisler and Kirsty McGregor, played a crucial role in untangling the film’s mystery. Finding the right actress to portray Hen was essential, as she serves as the spiritual core of the film. The chemistry between the actors was also a vital factor in their casting decisions. Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal’s shared Irish backgrounds made them feel right for the roles of a couple who married young and grew apart. Aaron Pierre brought a fresh and intriguing take to his role as the antagonist, avoiding stereotypes and adding depth to his character’s beliefs about bettering humanity.
In the end, Foe is not just a genre-bending film, but a deeply human exploration of relationships, the environment, and the choices we make. It delves into the consequences of climate change and the potential of AI, raising questions about our responsibility to ourselves, our loved ones, and the planet. As the film unfolds, viewers are left with an unsettling yet thought-provoking experience, challenging them to consider their own role in shaping the future.
