This second feature from the director of the innovative sci-fi flick Cube is the kind of labyrinthine, Borgesian delight that doesn’t easily lend itself to description. One minute Cypher is a stylish corporate thriller with Jeremy Northam standing in for North By Northwest’s Cary Grant, then it quickly transforms into a dystopian Philip K. Dick – coloured vision of the future.
The plot sees Northam’s disillusioned, dreary accountant recruited by a multinational for purposes of low-grade espionage. In this capacity he meets the enigmatic Lucy Liu, who tells him he’s in danger. As ever, Ms. Liu turns up looking untrustworthy and dressed for a particularly depraved and savage bondage session.
If that wasn’t exciting enough, we’re soon drawn into a world of bluffs and counter-bluffs, and much by way of narrative rug-pulling. Think Brazil meets Memento and you’re on the right track. A stylish and left-field conspiracy flick, and an unmissably fun mindfuck.
95mins. Cert – IFI members. Opens October 31