Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
A mind-bending love story following Greg who, after recently being divorced and then fired, meets the mysterious Isabel, a woman living on the streets and convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is just a computer simulation. Doubtful at first, Greg eventually discovers there may be some truth to Isabel’s wild conspiracy.
Bliss attempts a philosophical sci-fi romance in the vein of simulation theory narratives, blending The Matrix-style reality-questioning with a melancholic love story. Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek bring genuine commitment to their roles, elevating what is often thin material. The cinematography contrasts the grimy 'simulated' world with a glossy utopian one reasonably well, but without much visual daring. The core concept has novelty points for its emotional framing of simulation theory through addiction and escapism metaphors, though it doesn't fully develop these ideas. The plot meanders and struggles with internal logic, leaving viewers more confused than intrigued. The ending is particularly unsatisfying, failing to deliver on its philosophical promises or provide emotional closure, which contributes heavily to the film's lukewarm reception.