Welcome to a new kind of world! In the fictionalised city of New Rome, we follow Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a passionate artist and genius with the extraordinary ability to stop time at his command. Cesar is also driven by his vision of creating a better future through building the Megalopolis. When word spreads about Cesar’s ambitions, his opposition and fellow leaders rally against him, determined to thwart his plans. Among them is Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito). His daughter, Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), initially supports Cicero in this ongoing conflict; however, as Julia listens to Cesar and gets to know him more deeply, she sympathises with his cause, leading to a romantic relationship. When Cicero discovers that his daughter is becoming distant, the ongoing war and conflict surrounding Cesar’s vision intensifies. Cesar’s enemies will stop at nothing to ensure that the Megalopolis is never built, even if it means framing him for a crime he did not commit.
Megalopolis is a sci-fi, fantasy, and drama film that follows in the footsteps of Ancient Rome, Shakespeare and elements of tragedy. The film was written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who has an impressive filmography, including masterpieces such as The Godfather (1972), Apocalypse Now (1979), Dracula (1992), and The Conversation (1974), among others. Just as in some of his previous works, Francis has created another epic film here. However, the question remains: is it a great epic? In my opinion, I would have to say no.
On the positive side, I can confidently say that Megalopolis introduces several innovative concepts, including a modern-day Rome where political leaders are driven by greed for power, money, and control. Visually, I found some aspects to be quite good, although opinions may vary and not all the visuals are appealing. Creativity is evident through the visuals and the costumes were a stand out, as were the set designs. These, along with the extensive use of extras, contribute positively to the overall experience.
While the film initially captivates with its introduction to a Rome-like world and its characters, I must admit that it becomes disorganised once the main story unfolds. Many scenes feel disjointed, leaving me curious about an unedited version of the film. The character development, particularly that of Julia, raises questions as she quickly shifts her loyalty to support Cesar. Additionally, the film doesn’t adequately explain key aspects, such as how Cesar can stop and control time, which I found frustrating.
Moreover, I found the film’s score often inappropriate and distracting. Although the visuals are imaginative, the CGI in some scenes appears unrefined or cheap. Performance-wise, it’s clear that the leading actors are doing their best with the material. However, I struggled to take them seriously or feel invested in their characters, especially during moments of weakness or vulnerability.
Overall, there’s no denying that something is remarkable about Megalopolis. Its wild concept, outrageous storyline, and the idea of a modern-day Rome make it a unique film. It’s a bold and brave choice from the legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. However, as daring as this film is, it ultimately comes off as a hot mess. I admire its visuals, and the opening creates excitement; however, the film suffers from disjointed scenes, shaky plot progression, and moments that lack purpose, making the overall experience feel drawn out. The performances, including those of Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Laurence Fishburne, show their talent, but their characters—and many others—feel complex yet underdeveloped. If the opportunity arises, I would love to see this film’s lengthy, uncut version. I suspect that the final cut has left out important details and character development.
Megalopolis (2024) is Now Available on Blu-ray thanks to Madman Films!
FILM SCORE: 4.0/10
Published: 13th March 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
CONNECT WITH PETER WALKDEN:
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@walkdenentertainment / @walkdenpublicity
FOLLOW US ON LETTERBOXD:
@Peter_Walkden
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
0 Comments