If you were afraid of another Bright, no worries. This is a sci-fi action crime drama with enough grit to sustain it from start to finish.
A research group has developed a capsule-based drug that hyper-activates deeply “recessive DNA” which either kills the user or gives them powers (for five minutes) based on the DNA specific to their body. For example, one guy pops a capsule into his mouth, and it activates chameleon DNA in his system. He can blend into his background, making him difficult to see (he uses this to commit robberies).
Clinical trails are out of the question, so capsules are given out for free in New Orleans like they are street drugs. The users are tracked and their abilities are recorded by the research group. The most flattering footage becomes their promo material for shady big money customers.
I won’t go into much more detail to avoid spoilers, but the paths of detective Frank (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and former test subject Art (Jamie Foxx) collide as they are both on the trail of the group behind the street level pushers. The person linking Art and Frank together is teenage street dealer Robin (Dominique Fishback), trying to raise enough money for her mother’s surgery but not understanding the full picture of what is going on.
Special effects are good (a lot of night action helps) and all of the main characters are likable in their own way. This just edges into that third paw level for me.
