The Empire is a post-apocalyptic space fantasy from writer-director Bruno Dumont. The film is a social realist take on “The Chosen One” storyline, common in both science-fiction and fantasy. The story involves two extraterrestrial empires, the Ones, and the Zeros, battling it out in a French coastal village over a special child.
This child is one of the Zeros, gifted with the ability to destroy the world. The Ones are angelic light beings, while the Zeros are dark demonic orbs. When on Earth, these alien beings disguise themselves as average humans. The Zeros’ leader, Belzébuth (Fabrice Luchini), depends on his son, Jony (Brandon Vlieghe), to protect Freddy/the Wain (the special child) from the Ones. The Ones’ Princess Jane (Anamaria Vartolomei) is sent by her mother, Le Reine (Camille Cottin), to vanquish the child and defeat the Knights of the Wain, with assistance from her incompetent sidekick, Rudy (Julien Manier).
As this occurs, both empires become fascinated with humans and their distinct flaws. Jane finds humans to be unusual until she falls in love with Jony. For the first time, she learns what it’s like to be a flesh being as she engages in sexual intimacy. Together, these royals become lovers despite the ensuing prophesized battle between the empires. This is a taste of Dumont’s archetypal epic that echoes famous works like Paradise Lost, the Star Wars multi-trilogy saga, and The Iliad.
“…two extraterrestrial empires, the Ones, and the Zeros, battling it out in a French coastal village over a special child.”
The Empire is a sophisticated film that the filmmaker brings to engaging life. Yes, it is merely an opportunity to philosophize on the nature of “good and evil” and humanity’s imperfections, yet the mix of Biblical themes, space opera tropes, and social realist aesthetic creates an otherworldly experience. Kudos to the special effects team for their incredible renderings of beautiful cathedrals and palaces by transforming them into spaceships. It gives these science-fiction elements a magical realism style.
The costume design by Alexandra Charles is both original and stays true to the over-the-top nature of space fantasy. For Belzébuth, she dresses him in a flamboyant medieval costume with a black-and-white motif. Fabrice Lanchini’s goofy performance as Belzébuth adds to the ridiculousness of it all. It is a clever away of alluding to early 20th century space operas, like the Flash Gordon comic strips. This use of costuming is a great creative touch because the other characters dress like normal people.
Dumont’s film is not your run-of-the-mill science fiction blockbuster. The genre becomes a canvas to analyze major topics, such as political polarization and the danger of “black and white” thinking. His insights into human behavior are fascinating, as the aliens have passionate conversations among themselves. Yet when they interact with humans, it is meaningless small talk. The Empire stands out from all the various imitators of the Star Wars franchise because it allows the audience to engage in critical thinking. With its eclectic cast, unconventional visuals, and clever reimagining of mythological elements, Bruno Dumont’s film brings audiences on a peculiar adventure!
"…not your run-of-the-mill science fiction blockbuster."
