The basic premise, that through drugs and video games it might be possible to control someone's perception of reality and "radicalize" them, is actually kind of interesting. But the characterizations, the dialog, the storyline, and the direction were terrible. It's like no one in the production staff has ever interacted with real human beings before. The characters stare into space, ask dumb questions, make non-sequitur proclamations, yell at each other pointlessly, and generally behave as the scriptwriter told them to behave, completely ignoring the fact that none of these characterizations and character interactions were realistic or remotely believable. Key elements of the plot were equally unrealistic.

I *think* the acting was also pretty terrible, but it's hard to say because if Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro spoke this dialog, followed this script, and honored the requests of this director I suspect they'd look awful too.

Don't waste your time. Imagine what you'd dream up for this premise. Trust me, it's better than this. Two stars because the premise was interesting and the production values were halfway decent.

The action genre features fast-paced, thrilling, and intense sequences of physical feats, combat, and excitement. The characters of these stories are involved in daring and often dangerous situations, requiring them to rely on their physical prowess, skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges and adversaries.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The sci-fi genre, short for science fiction, features imaginative and futuristic concepts that are often rooted in scientific principles, technology, and possibilities. These stories delve into "what if" questions and can serve as a platform to address contemporary social, political, and ethical issues by projecting them onto future or alternate settings.

James Earl Jones and David Prowse in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

A troubled high school student seeks the comfort of escapism through interactive gaming. Played is a commentary on youth radicalization through the scope of futuristic technologies.

Munro Chambers and Amanda Arcuri in Played (2017)

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