THINGS TO COME

Cinemavixion Review

William Cameron Menzies's "Things to Come" stands as a monumental achievement in speculative cinema, a visionary epic that, despite its 1936 origins, continues to resonate with its prescient portrayal of civilization's cyclical nature. Based on H.G. Wells's "The Shape of Things to Come," the film ambitiously chronicles a century of upheaval, commencing with a devastating global conflict that plunges the world into anarchy. The narrative masterfully depicts the subsequent arduous rebuilding of society by a rational, technologically driven state, culminating in humanity's ambitious reach for the stars. Raymond Massey delivers a commanding performance as the steadfast leader charting this course through decades of plague and societal collapse. The film's visual design, a hallmark of Menzies's directorial and production design prowess, is breathtaking, presenting a future both stark and awe-inspiring. While the film's pacing may reflect its era, its thematic depth, exploring humanity's resilience, the perils of progress, and the enduring quest for knowledge, remains remarkably potent. It is a foundational work of science fiction, celebrated for its grand scope and its enduringly relevant philosophical inquiries into the future of mankind.