Absolut

This Swiss-made film deals in an intriguing way with a current and much talked-about subject: terrorism, here being perpetrated by two activists. It’s a political thriller that toys with its viewers, does not offer them simple answers and forces them to think seriously about supernatural events. This low-budget work makes frequent use of a hand-held digital camera, supporting the restless feeling of the film and creating its particular style, maintaining a fast tempo and an enigmatic suspense. Alex, a young and idealistic man, and his computer-wiz friend Fred try to prevent a summit of world leaders from taking place. The two young men are working on a sophisticated computer virus that would be able to destroy financial transaction systems. With this, they intend to blackmail the local authorities in Geneva, banks and the organisers of the summit. Just when things seem to be going according to plan, Alex gets into a car accident; when he wakes up from a two-day coma, he is suffering from amnesia. The doctors proceed to treat him with a method that is still in the experimental phase. While slowly recalling some events, Alex also finds out that Fred has disappeared, and he starts having problems with his girlfriend. Above all, he becomes increasingly suspicious of the new treatment. (LC)