Is Vivarium on Netflix?
What is Vivarium?
Vivarium is a 2020 science fiction thriller horror film written and directed by Dan Trachtenberg. The movie premiered on Hulu but has since gained popularity on Netflix. The film is based on a 2005 short story of the same name by A. G. Riddle.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Katherine: a single mother who takes her one-year-old son, Lucas, to a rural area to take care of Lucas’s young brother, Gonzalo, who has autism. Katherine decides to leave her life in the city behind and work at a fish farm. However, Gonzalo’s father, Sam, is a tyrannical and controlling man who expects Katherine to take care of Lucas as well.
As the story progresses, the situation becomes increasingly tense, and Katherine begins to question Sam’s true intentions. She starts to feel trapped and suffocated by her situation, leading to a confrontation with Sam. In the end, Katherine decides to escape from her abusive father and reunite with her son, but not before Lucas gets separated from Katherine and finds himself in the hands of Sam**.
Netflix Release and Production
Vivarium was initially released on Hulu in 2020, but Netflix picked up the show in July 2021. The production team decided to re-shoot the entire film on location in rural Maine, USA, in an attempt to improve the atmosphere and the overall aesthetic of the film.
Cast and Crew
The main cast includes:
- Beck (who plays Gonzalo) is a quiet and unassuming child who becomes a target for Sam. Beck is a child actor who was just 6 years old when he was cast for the role.
- Alejandro Montoya (who plays Sam) is a controlling and abusive father who tries to take control of Katherine‘s life. Montoya is a veteran actor who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows.
The production team consisted of:
- Dan Trachtenberg (director, writer, and producer) who is also known for his work on the original short story "Vivarium".
- Rachel Bradley (producer) who is a film producer and the founder of Production on Location (POLL).
- Jenny Luolia Mårtensson (freelance writer) who wrote the original short story "Vivarium".
Significant Content
Here are some of the significant points about the film:
- Lucas’s Autism: The film explores the challenges of raising a child with autism, particularly when the child becomes too strong for their caregivers.
- Abusive Parenting: The film tackles the theme of abusive parenting, highlighting the dangers of neglect and control.
- Social Commentary: Vivarium is a commentary on the class system and the patriarchy, showcasing the struggles of working-class women.
- Family Dynamics: The film explores the complex relationships within a family, particularly the dynamics between a mother and child.
The Film’s Reception
Vivarium has received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its atmospheric tension, strong performances, and commentary on family dynamics. The film holds a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its originality and execution.
Awards and Nominations
Vivarium has been nominated for several awards, including:
- Satellite Award for Best Actress (Beck) – Alejandro Montoya
- National Board of Review Award for Best Performance by a Young Actor (Beck)
- Toronto International Film Festival Award for Best Performance by a Cast Member (Alejandro Montoya)
Conclusion
Vivarium is a thought-provoking and suspenseful film that explores the complexities of family dynamics, abusive parenting, and the struggles of raising a child with autism. With its stunning location, strong performances, and commentary on social issues, Vivarium is a must-watch for fans of science fiction, horror, and family dramas. If you’re looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Vivarium is an excellent choice.
Availability on Netflix
Vivarium is currently available to stream on Netflix. You can watch the film on the Netflix website or through their mobile app.
Cast and Crew Page
You can find the cast and crew page for Vivarium on the Netflix website, which includes information on the production team, cast, and crew.
Vivarium Reviews
You can find reviews of Vivarium on various websites, including:
- Rotten Tomatoes
- Metacritic
- IMDB
Vivarium Trivia
Here are some interesting trivia about the film:
- The film was shot in 12 days in rural Maine.
- The script was rewritten over 100 times before it was ready for filming.
- The film’s cast and crew received a $10 million salary each.