In a dystopian future where ecological disaster has led to strict population reduction measures, families are faced with difficult decisions. Every country on earth has committed to reducing its population by 20% within one year. In North America, the government's Department of Citizen Strategy (D.O.C.S.) offers substantial payouts to those who agree to be euthanized, referred to as 'enlisting' or 'joining the war'. Older people and certain groups such as prison inmates, terminally ill people, financially disadvantaged parents, and undocumented immigrants are among those being euthanized. However, the rate of enlistment is not fast enough to reach the population reduction target. Some are discussing conscription.
The world is experiencing widespread ecological collapse. Decades of ignoring scientists' warnings have led to strict rations, curfews, and a scarcity of food and water. The ozone layer is anemic from years of abuse, leaving little protection from UV rays. People walk around with reflective umbrellas to shield themselves.
In this not-so-distant future, families are faced with the ethical question: who counts as valuable? What does it mean to be good? If humans wreck the earth, what will we do to survive? Do we even deserve it?
Caitlin Cronenberg's debut feature 'Humane' explores these questions through a family drama with immensely high stakes. The film is set in Canada, where the target reduction is 20%. To coax people into joining the effort, the government offers substantial payouts to families of those who enlist. People who agree are euphemistically referred to as 'enlisting' or 'joining the war'.
Charles York (Peter Gallagher) plans to enlist with his family but Dawn disappears before they can leave. Bob, a D.O.C.S representative, tells the siblings they must decide who should die if they cannot produce two bodies for removal.
The film builds this world at a satisfyingly rapid speed, raising stakes so quickly that you're left breathless as the implications sink in.
It's important to note that while 'Humane' is a thought-provoking and tense dystopian thriller, some logical leaps may fade into the background. But these leaps do not detract from the overall impact of the film.