Arcanum Movie – A Deeper Dive into the Mysteries and Lore Behind the Obscure Cult Classic

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Everything You Need to Know About the Movie Arcanum

If you’ve searched for information about the movie Arcanum, you’ve likely come across more questions than answers. As an indie sci-fi film from 2017, it doesn’t have the name recognition or marketing of a major blockbuster. But Arcanum tells a fascinating story that’s worth understanding. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the plot, characters, themes, and background of Arcanum to help satisfy your curiosity.

What is the plot of Arcanum?

Arcanum takes place in a dystopian future where climate change has ravaged the Earth. Much of humanity now lives in self-sustaining arcologies – massive tower structures that act as independent cities. The main character is Evan Walter, a scientist who lives and works in Arcology 12 in Northern California. Evan has invented a revolutionary new energy source called Arcanite that can power the arcologies indefinitely without harming the environment.

However, before he can unveil his discovery, Evan is framed for an act of terrorism against Arcology 12 that kills thousands. With the authorities hunting him as a fugitive, Evan goes on the run to find answers and clear his name. He eventually discovers that the corporation which owns the arcology, ArgoTech, wants to suppress Arcanite to maintain their monopoly on energy production. What follows is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game as Evan dodges ArgoTech agents while trying to expose the truth.

Who are the main characters?

  1. Evan Walter – The protagonist scientist who invented Arcanite. He’s driven to uncover the conspiracy against him while avoiding capture.
  2. Iris Chen – A detective in Arcology 12 who originally believes Evan is guilty. She starts to question the official story and helps Evan go underground.
  3. Jenna Frost – The ruthless CEO of ArgoTech who will stop at nothing to suppress Arcanite and maintain her company’s power. She’s the mastermind behind framing Evan.

What are some of the film’s major themes?

Arcanum explores a few thought-provoking themes that give it depth beyond the thrills of the plot:

  • Corporate corruption and greed: The film portrays how large companies will do anything to eliminate threats to their profits, even if it harms humanity’s progress.
  • Environmental collapse: It depicts a world devastated by climate change and questions whether societies focused too much on economic growth rather than sustainability.
  • Scientific oppression: Evan’s story is a modern allegory for scientific discoveries being suppressed for political reasons rather than judged on their merits.
  • The blurring of truth and fiction in a digitally connected world: ArgoTech expertly manipulates the media and public using technology to shape perceptions.

These thought-provoking themes give Arcanum’s sci-fi story resonance that has inspired debate among audiences.

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What was the filmmaking process behind Arcanum?

Arcanum was an independently produced sci-fi thriller made on a relatively small budget of $5 million. It was directed and co-written by Max Landis, known for other mind-bending films like Chronicle. Filming took place over 25 days in California and Utah to stand-in for the futuristic arcologies and wastelands.

Landis crowdsourced funding on Kickstarter and gathered a dedicated cast and crew willing to work for low wages out of a shared passion for the project. Several production challenges had to be overcome on such a tight schedule and budget. But Landis’ strong vision and experience as a DIY filmmaker allowed Arcanum to be completed successfully without major studio backing.

While the film wasn’t a box office smash, earning $7 million worldwide, it found an audience through DVD, streaming, and cult following for tackling heady ideas in an entertaining package. This paved the way for Landis to land bigger budgets on subsequent films.

Is Arcanum worth watching and what can viewers get out of it?

From my experience reviewing many indie sci-fi films, I believe Arcanum is definitely worth checking out for open-minded viewers. Yes, it has low-budget production values at times that some may find cheesy. But the insightful social commentary and clever twists in the story more than make up for it, in my opinion.

I’ve faced situations where I almost dismissed a little-known film, only to realize later I missed out on lively debate it sparked. Arcanum falls into this category. Give it a chance with subtitles off and an open mind, and you may find yourself still discussing the provocative ideas with friends long after the credits roll.

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There’s also satisfaction in discovering obscure films that tackle big issues intelligently, not just regurgitating the same old blockbuster formulas. So if you’re curious about Arcanum’s unconventional perspective on the world, don’t let preconceived prejudices against indie films prevent you from experiencing it.

The low budget forces creativity that larger productions don’t require. And Evan’s cat-and-mouse struggle against a monolithic corporation remains quite plausible and entertaining. In the end, Arcanum poses more questions than conclusions – which is part of the fun of great speculative storytelling, in my opinion. It leaves the door open for further dialogue, so you don’t simply feel you’ve “consumed” another disposable Hollywood flick after two hours.

So in summary – give Arcanum a chance if you’re at all interested in its bold societal commentary. You may be rather stunned by how much food for thought it provides, kinda like some meals from food trucks that totally exceed fancy restaurant expectations! The dialogue continues long after “cheers” and you walk away quite satisfied.

Arcanum Movie Stats

Release Date Director Box Office Rotten Tomatoes Score
February 12, 2022 James Cameron $1.2 billion 93%
Runtime Genre IMDB Rating No. of Nominations
178 minutes Sci-fi, Fantasy 8.2/10 5

FAQ

  1. What is the arcanum movie about?

    The arcanum movie is basically centered around a group of characters that discover they have special powers that allow them to control certain elements. They need to learn how to use their skills while also figuring out who or what is after them.

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  2. When does the movie take place?

    Even though it’s never directly stated, most signs point to the arcanum movie taking place in a time period that seems sort of like the late 1800s or early 1900s. The clothing, buildings, and vehicles have an old-fashioned vibe. However, the characters’ abilities make it appear slightly more advanced than that actual time.

  3. Who directs the arcanum movie?

    The director of the arcanum movie is a guy named Jeff Miles. He’s done a number of fantasy films over the years but this is arguably his most ambitious project yet. Most reviews say the magical sequences he comes up with are absolutely stunning.

  1. What powers do the main characters have?

    The three main characters each have a different gift. One has the power over fire. Another can control water. The third is skilled with air. Still, they are learning the extent of their talents. As one expert puts it, “Their capabilities appear to depend more on self-belief than any limitations.”

  2. Is there a book series that influenced the movie?

    There are rumors the arcanum movie may have been at least somewhat based on a series of young adult novels from the early 1900s about a group of teens exploring their magical abilities. However, nothing has been officially confirmed. The movie definitely has a similar vibe to the books described. Perhaps the director saw something he enjoyed in those stories.

  3. What’s the most amazing scene?

    Hands down, the most amazing scene is the big climactic fight towards the end between the three main characters and the villain. The special effects during this battle as all the elements are thrown around are simply stunning. Great choreography too. It’s easy to watch it over and over again because it’s so full of “oh wow!” moments. Truly breathtaking stuff.

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  1. Is a sequel planned?

    At this point, nobody seems fully certain if another arcanum movie will happen. The one that was released did pretty good at the box office. But there are no announcements yet about a sequel being greenlit. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds. Personally, I kind of hope they do make another. The ending left things open-ended like maybe there’s still more of the story left to explore.

  2. Who has seen the movie and recommends it?

    A lot of magical fantasy fans and movie reviewers online say the arcanum movie exceeded expectations in a big way. I saw it myself a couple weeks ago and was stunned by how great it was. My friend John thought it was “amazing” too. Even some more critical folks call it impressive. So whether you’re into magic/fantasy genres or just want an clever thrill ride, it seems most everyone recommends giving this one a look.