PRODIGY

Cinemavixion Review

Alex Haughey and Brian Vidal's "Prodigy" (2017) presents a taut psychological thriller centered on Dr. James Fonda (Richard Neil), a psychologist tasked with assessing the enigmatic young genius, Ellie (Savannah Halliday). Held within a clandestine, high-tech facility, Ellie's extraordinary intellect is matched only by her volatile nature, a dangerous combination that draws the attention of military forces with a dire kill order should Fonda fail to penetrate her defenses. The film excels in crafting a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere, as Fonda engages in a high-stakes intellectual duel with Ellie. What begins as a clinical evaluation rapidly escalates into a desperate fight for survival, with the supernatural underpinnings of Ellie's abilities adding a layer of unsettling mystery. While the film garnered some critical attention, including 3 wins and 1 nomination, and a respectable 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, its limited release and niche appeal may have kept it from wider recognition. "Prodigy" is a commendable entry into the sci-fi thriller genre, offering a compelling narrative with strong performances, particularly from Halliday as the titular prodigy, and a satisfyingly suspenseful climax.