2073 is a 2024 docudrama directed by Asif Kapadia, renowned for his documentaries “Senna” and “Amy.” This film ventures into a dystopian future, blending science fiction with documentary elements to explore pressing global issues.
Set in the year 2073, 37 years after a cataclysmic event referred to as “The Event,” the narrative unfolds in “New San Francisco,” the capital of the Americas. The protagonist, known as Ghost (portrayed by Samantha Morton), survives in a desolate environment, scavenging for essentials while evading omnipresent surveillance systems. Ghost reflects on the collapse of democracy and societal structures, pondering the missteps that led to this dystopian reality.
Interwoven with Ghost’s story are documentary-style segments featuring archival footage and interviews with journalists, technologists, and political analysts. These segments critique the rise of populist politics, the pervasive reach of surveillance technology, and the escalating climate crisis. The film presents a montage of real-world events, such as political unrest, environmental disasters, and the erosion of democratic norms, drawing parallels between the fictional future and contemporary issues.
Kapadia’s personal experiences, including post-9/11 profiling, inform the film’s narrative, highlighting the proximity of current global dynamics to potential disaster. The film also features unsettling predictions of political outcomes, emphasizing the urgency for awareness and action against emerging techno-authoritarianism.
Critics have noted that while “2073” is a high-concept dystopian docudrama, its format may dilute the impact of real news footage, and its broad, conspiratorial tone could oversimplify complex political realities. Nonetheless, the film serves as a stark warning about the trajectory of current global trends, urging viewers to reflect on the potential consequences of inaction in the face of mounting socio-political and environmental challenges.