In the 2000s there were several films that wanted to follow the success of the Wachowski sisters’ Matrix trilogy. One of the most well-known representatives of this genre is the science fiction hit Ultraviolet, which was released in 2005 polished images and lots of action beckons. Resident Evil star Milla Jovovich is slaughtering her way around in slow motion – what else could go wrong?
The sobering answer: quite a bit. Ultraviolet is not a good film and certainly not a worthy replacement for the furious action scenes from the Matrix trilogy. When Keanu Reeves breaks the laws of gravity as Neo, the Wachowskis always reveal themselves breathtaking movements. Director Kurt Wimmer shows little of this elegance and harmonious use of CGI effects.
Milla Jovovich in one of the most unreal sci-fi films
Nevertheless, ultraviolet is a fascinating undertaking: from the rumored connection to comics and superheroes to the unexpectedly contemporary story. The plot, set towards the end of the 21st century, tells of the genetic modification of an old virus that causes a new disease called Haemophagia and transforms people into a kind of vampire.
You can watch the trailer for Ultraviolet here:
Ultraviolet – Trailer (German)
Violet Songjat Shariff, portrayed by Milla Jovovich, is one of the sick people being persecuted by the government. In the prologue, which – supported by Klaus Badelt’s heroic music – longs for a comic source as its origin, Violet explains her tragic fate: she was actually a nurse who saved lives. Now she presents herself as an intrepid one Fighter against the system.
The optics of Ultraviolet burn into your memory
Kurt Wimmer, who already looked towards the Matrix films in the action scenes of his Fahrenheit 451 variation Equilibrium, uses the premise of Ultraviolet primarily to send Milla Jovovich through cinematic spaces in the most stylish images possible hardly look more unreal could. There is no claim to anything truthful here. Only cool poses against aggressively artificial backgrounds count.
The poor script and the terrible dialogue are quickly forgotten. But the visual elements of Ulraviolet definitely stick in your mind. There can be no question of a sophisticated image design. Nevertheless, the film is driven by his unrestrained longing for shapes and colors that are so… distorted recordings endings that leave you speechless.
This unreality is downright astounding. So amazing that in retrospect you can’t really speak of effects that have aged poorly. Of all the CGI accidents of the 2000s, Ultraviolet, made on a budget of $30 million, stands out with one unwavering persistence out and simply goes “all in” – regardless of losses. In the end, only absolute artificiality counts.
A borderline experience with soft focus and color correction
Indescribably ugly looks Ultraviolet, but does so with a conviction that is difficult to resist. Kurt Wimmer takes his film just as seriously as the dystopia in Equilibrium, but ultimately fails in the feat of giving depth to his futuristic world. Only the soft focus and color correction rule here. A fever dream that swallows you whole.
Another big science fiction blockbuster of recent years, which is also lost in colors and shapes, but into one significantly better result came is Tron Legacy. As soon as Sam Flynn immerses himself in the video game, as a viewer you find yourself in a digital vacuum that makes you forget everything else around you. The lights are hypnotic, the movements are thrilling.
With Ultraviolet, on the other hand, all that remains is disbelief at the cold, soulless and yet self-enthusiastic worlds of images back. And the question is whether this might not be a misunderstood representative of the digital avant-garde who doesn’t deserve his reputation. You will never be able to erase these bizarre, alienating and ultimately extremely engaging images from your memory.
Sci-Fi fever dream: When is Ultraviolet on TV?
Ultraviolet is on tonight on January 27, 2025 at 11:20 p.m. on Kabel Eins. With advertising, the broadcast lasts until 1:05 a.m. The repeat follows at 2:55 a.m. If you don’t want to watch the film so late on linear television, you can stream it at any time with various purchase and rental options on Amazon Prime Video.
This article was first published in a similar form on Moviepilot in April 2020.”