“Chaos Walking” (2021) is a science fiction film directed by Doug Liman and based on the novel The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. The film stars Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley and is set in a dystopian future where people can hear each other’s thoughts, leading to a world filled with chaotic and constant noise.
The story is set on a distant planet known as New World, where humans have settled but are faced with an unusual condition: all human thoughts are visible and audible, a phenomenon referred to as “Noise.” The film follows Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland), a young man living in a small, isolated settlement where the Noise has created a tense and turbulent environment. The only thing that breaks the monotony of this chaotic existence is the sudden arrival of a mysterious young woman, Viola Eade (Daisy Ridley), who has crash-landed on the planet.
Viola’s presence triggers a series of events that force Todd to confront the dark secrets of his world and embark on a journey to uncover the truth about his society and the mysterious nature of the Noise. As Todd and Viola attempt to escape from a corrupt and oppressive regime led by Mayor Prentiss (Mads Mikkelsen), they must navigate through hostile environments and confront their own fears and desires.
Chaos Walking explores themes of communication, power, and the impact of inner thoughts on personal and societal dynamics. The film’s narrative delves into the psychological effects of having one’s thoughts constantly exposed and the consequences of living in a world where privacy is nonexistent.
