Levels (film)


Levels is a 2024 Canadian science fiction action film written and directed by Adam Stern and starring Cara Gee, Peter Mooney, Aaron Abrams and David Hewlett.

Plot

In a near-future society, Joe, a quiet bookstore owner, meets Ash, and the two quickly form a relationship. After Ash is suddenly killed by an unknown assailant, Joe begins encountering anomalies that suggest his world may be an artificial simulation. As he searches for answers, Joe is drawn into a conflict involving advanced AI systems and competing factions, forcing him to question which “level” of reality he inhabits and whether the simulation should be shut down.

Production

Levels is the feature-length directorial debut of Adam Stern. The project received early development support from the Harold Greenberg Fund/Bell Media and from Creative BC. It was also awarded an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games for its use of Unreal Engine in virtual production techniques.
Principal photography began in Canada in March 2023, following the announcement of the main cast, including Cara Gee and Peter Mooney.
The film was produced by Orbital Mechanics, Middle Child Films, and Farpoint Films, with an emphasis on digital environments and a hybrid workflow combining physical sets with real-time rendering tools.

Cast

Reception

Richard Crouse concluded his review of the film by stating: "Stern’s messages of hope for the future of humankind are heartfelt but come packaged in a movie that lacks urgency." Chris Knight of Original Sin was very mixed about the film. Hopson Travis of Punch Drunk Critics found it was "an accomplished but unspectacular film that can’t hold a candle to more exciting films tackling AI." A review at Voices From the Balcony stated: "Unfortunately, despite characters constantly talking about the morality of shutting down the simulation and wiping out its population, Levels really doesn’t have much in the way of answers."