Quick Info
Have you ever stumbled on a small sci-fi film that stuck with you way longer than you expected? Advantageous is one of those. It’s set in a future society obsessed with appearance and economic advantage, and tells the story of Gwen, a single mother faced with an impossible choice involving a radical medical procedure to secure her daughter’s future. The premise is straight-up Black Mirror territory, but it’s told with a gentle touch rather than shock value.
The actor that really stands out is Jacqueline Kim, who also co-wrote the film. Her performance as Gwen is heartbreakingly nuanced — she makes every struggle and sacrifice feel real. The mother-daughter relationship is the core, and there’s a quiet intensity in their scenes together. It isn’t flashy or melodramatic, but it’s far more moving because of that grounded approach.
Visually, the movie keeps things tight and focused — don’t expect massive sci-fi cityscapes or wild special effects. Instead, there’s a chilly, soft-lit atmosphere that underscores the emotional distance and societal coldness. The future here looks familiar but just off enough to feel unsettling, a credit to the thoughtful production design.
That said, the film’s pacing is pretty slow, and it sometimes edges towards being too understated for its own good. Not every subplot lands, and if you’re hoping for action or traditional sci-fi intrigue, you might find yourself impatient. But for me, the slower pace gave me space to actually think about the themes — class, gender, ageism — that director Jennifer Phang is raising.
You would enjoy this if you like near-future sci-fi that’s more about ideas and people than technology or spectacle. It’s got a melancholy mood, a strong female lead, and asks uncomfortable but good questions. This is a great pick if you’ve already seen the big sci-fi hitters and want something thoughtful and slightly under the radar.
