#674 – Nekotronic (2018)

Nekrotronic (2018)

Film review #674

Director: Kiah Roache-Turner

SYNOPSIS: Sewer cleaner Howard learns of the secret battle between demons who infiltrate the real world via the internet, and the nekromancers who fight them. Learning that he himself is a nekromancer, Howard is reluctantly dragged into the battle between good and evil, as the whole world comes under threat from Finnegan, who seeks the power of the demons, and who just also happens to be Howard’s Mum…

THOUGHTS/ANALYSIS: Nekrotronic is a 2019 Australian sci-fi film. Howard is a sewer cleaner that is thrust into the battle between the demons that invade the real world via an app, and the nekromancers that fight them. Learning that he is a nekromancer himself, he must team up with others like him to stop Finnegan, who just so happens to be his Mum, from absorbing millions of souls and becoming immortal. The plot of the film clearly takes elements from Ghostbusters and The Matrix, with creatures coming down phone lines, and being trapped by the nekromancers. It never feels too derivative though, as it has its own brand of humour and silliness to drive things along. The mechanics of how everything works are very convoluted though, and you’ll probably end up glossing over some of the details. The film is driven by a lot of high-energy banter, action and swearing: lots and lots of swearing. Alongside this, there’s enough twists and turns in the story to latch on to which keep things interesting.

The characters of the film often feel a little under-utilised: Howard as the man who is introduced to this new world is who we relate with most, because we as the viewer often have no idea what is happening either. His friend Rangi, who dies and becomes a ghost (erm, wraith) provides some more mad cap energy, but doesn’t do a lot for a good chunk of the movie. Molly and Torquel have their moments too, but nothing outstanding. Monica Bellucci as Finnegan is clearly overacting for her life, and makes a fun villain, complimenting the silly, fun nature of the film. The practical effects are substantial and give the action a very tactile feel, and everything is very colourful, so it often never feels like there’s a dull moment. Nekrotronic is a mishmash of different ideas, inspirations and sometimes overwhelming mechanics and logic, but its high-energy, over-the-top antics typically overcome the convoluted elements. It’s humour is not sophisticated, and driven very much by banter and swearing, which is not going to appeal to everyone. It’s a silly, flashy and altogether messy experience that doesn’t offer anything new or substantive, but might be just entertaining enough if you appreciate it’s sense of humour.