The movie

The NEUROO-X company has developed a video game leveraging the player’s fantasies. Ryuko, the widow of the head developer, finds out that the game might actually be dangerous for whoever enters it. When her son goes missing into this virtual reality, she has no choice but to put herself on the line by plugging in and going to rescue him. Her quest hence becomes one of the game’s plot points, and Ryuko herself a character at the mercy of the developers… Although some references come to mind, there is little point comparing this unique film to other works of the genre. Transcending traditional barriers between media, Polder displays a staggering level of originality, taking inspiration from video games aesthetics and merging them with the cinematic language. The visual innovations are enhanced by a dizzying Russian dolls narrative that never ceases to amaze. Enriched by its Japanese influences, Polder offers us a metaphor for a world that’s obsessed with control — a prowess on both a graphical and narrative level.