Martin Carr reviews Quibi’s Wireless…
For anyone who wants context on Wireless take a moment to Google search director Zach Wechter, then watch his short film Pocket. This Quibi production is an extension of those film making techniques stretched into eight minute segments. Aided by executive producer Steven Soderbergh, himself no stranger to mobile film making, Wireless offers up a road trip narrative which is truly remarkable.
By incorporating media apps, Google searches and video footage the audience is given a window into the life of Andrew Braddock. For the first time Quibi have delivered on something which this entire platform should have given us from the start. Wireless successfully breaks the fourth wall on numerous occasions, provides depth through contemporary tech and lends everything a voyeuristic edge.
Phone calls, messages and interactions over Tinder provide real insight into how our mobile phones shape us. Tye Sheridan is a revelation throughout simultaneously grounding real time events, whilst communicating his personal and private persona. Director Zach Wechter seamlessly blends the here and now with an online media presence, adding breadth rather than making things feel contrived. Facetime, video memories and a subtle increase in the stakes over ten episodes makes Wireless unique on several levels.
Feeling as claustrophobic as Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours or Joel Schumacher’s Phone Booth, Sheridan is able to engage us even though other characters are little more than virtual co-stars. For a vast majority of the time this feels like a one man show, as interaction are limited by the decisions Andrew makes. By fully utilising the ‘turnstyle’ tech Wireless throws the doors wide on a lifestyle we all lead. Secretly subjective yet disarmingly personal it explores fake identities, fraudulent media posts and everyday infidelities. Beyond the dramatic premise which is self-contained, tightly constructed and comes neatly packaged, Wireless offers up something far more interesting.
This is a dramatic snapshot of the millennial generation defined by technology, instantly accessible yet devoid of consequence. Privacy is a thing of the past and those who wish to remain anonymous in this world will be forgotten. For that reason trust is something else which Wechter and co-writer Jack Seidman focus in on. For obvious reasons people are literally unable to meet in person right now, which means that Wireless is unintentionally topical. One topic being whether a landmark piece of content such as this will draw subscribers to the platform. If Quibi continue producing titles which fully utilise the capabilities of mobiles, rather than just changing camera angles with them, it might just work.
Martin Carr
