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Film Review: Chappie
/ March 15, 2015
Rating: MA 15+
Release Date: March 12th, 2015.
*Contains potential plot spoilers*
Well I never thought I’d feel quite so emotionally attached to a robot, but Chappie is just too endearing.
Set in a future where earth is governed by a legion of hard-handed mechanized police, Chappie is stolen from the force, and uniquely reprogrammed with ability to think and feel. Seen as both an opportunity and a threat, Chappie becomes the target of various human plots, while still attempting to navigate his new consciousness.
Written and Directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium) Chappie reiterates the sci-fi genius and South African humour Blomkamp is know for, and invites us in to a loud theological reflection.
Chappie is the ‘pin up boy’ of human experience. From finding his bearings in the world to which he’s introduced, comprehending right and wrong, and facing mortality with questions of the afterlife, Chappie mirrors the journey of every one of us.
Realizing his battery has a finite lifespan, Chappie challenges his ‘maker’ (Dev Patel), arguing with his choice of power supply, wondering what purpose there could be in his decision. Infuriated by limitation, Chappie starts to explore ideas of ‘consciousness’, wondering if it can be quantified and reproduced, transferred. Whether his fate can be bypassed, and who would offer him eternal life, and a new body.
Simultaneously Chappie comes up against the boundaries of human creation, and a defining reality we face.
First, he sees while humans can manufacture a lot, we cannot manufacture the soul. Perhaps we can clone, we can biologically construct, but we cannot create eternal life. As someone once told me, it’s like the gleeful scientist approaching God with dirt and a brewing test tube saying, “Look, look! I’ve just made another Adam”, to which God replies “Fantastic. Now do it with your own dirt”. Our creativity fundamentally rests on his first offer of life. We cannot replace the role of God in human creation.
As Chappie confronts this, he also touches on the biblical truth of eternity, our restricted flesh, and Gods promise of the ‘new spiritual body’ we need to enter it with Him. Summed up in 1 Corinthians 15,
“…flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable… For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory… [and that] victory through Jesus Christ.””
We do need to find a ‘new body’ if we want to enter eternity, one restored to righteousness, and capable of spiritual life. And yes like Chappie, many people will try to confuse and coerce us into believing it comes from various things, but thankfully we can know it is from Christ. As we face the reality of death, he offers the reality of a heaven-bound afterlife – free for all, available to all. Sure, it sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but thank God it’s science fact.
Chappie tackles a necessary conversation with confidence. Wrapping it in an extraordinarily well-delivered package, giving viewers action and comedy they want, with a strong dollop of heart.
Do be wary of the violence and language for younger audiences, but don’t be shy to help them consider the message.
High point: The evolution of Chappie’s swag.
Low point: Hugh Jackman’s mullet (…which on another day should perhaps be commended).
Best digested with: Space Bars and Biltong.
8/10.
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