Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: KARMALINK [Austin Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]
The essence of technology in overcrowded countries is an interesting diametric. In a sea of human population, people must make their identity their own while moving against the tide. But in the case of "Karmalink" [Texas Premiere/Marquee], a science fiction film out of Cambodia which envisions a not-so-distant future where dreams, virtual reality and access is integrated into augmented reality platform which becomes synonymous with regular life. What is interesting in the construct is who gets access and of course certain elements of underhanded dealings and off books elements. There is also a perception and forward thinking idea of advancement through research of the human evolution condition. The story follows young teenager Srey who is having visions and dreams of places that he believes will lead him and his friends to a treasure. This becomes the basis of the path before the textures of reincarnation and past lives move into the picture and change its focus.
In a story that could easily be fantastical or metaphysical in certain ways, it becomes about ambition versus living life...trying to understand the path of memories and meanings with knowing at time why they are living them. Leng is Srey's friend but she is hustling try to pull herself up and move forward in a different while not truly understanding or helping Srey in a meaningful way. She is still ruled by Darwinism. The balance of the skyscrapers and drones zooming about with kids still trying to sift through garbage and find something of value to sell speaks to the still vast chasm between the working class and the upper class which will continue to grow bigger as the technology gets better. The movie does switch halfway through to show the reasoning behind Srey's visions and it becomes clear how they were instigated or manufactured. It is an interesting trade of what connection means and the ultimate goal. That is why the essence of the ending shot and the ambition for it is about the irony of both what was gained, what was lost and what that achievement ultimately means. "Karmalink" is a cautionary tale about getting what you want but then understanding the cost needed to achieve it. B
By Tim Wassberg
