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Mind

Bel Powley is fabulous in this wonderful dystopian satire

In a strange commune, a daily "vitamin" suppresses emotion – until one member decides to throw away the supply. Turn Me On takes a comedic jab at hyper-utilitarianism, says Simon Ings

By Simon Ings

9 October 2024

San Sebastian Film Festival handout picture: Bel Powley, Nick Robinson in Michael Tyburski's 'Turn Me On'.

Joy (Bel Powley) and William (Nick Robinson) after “discovering” sex

Michael Tyburski/San Sebastian Film Festival

Turn Me On
Michael Tyburski
Truant Pictures (On digital platforms from 4 November)

An Eccentric visionary has created a commune centred on a pharmaceutical “vitamin” that suppresses emotion. The cult-like venture promises contentment to its followers, and to ensure it, all memory of their lives before they join is erased.

One member’s cancer treatment requires she miss her vitamin dose for just one day. So here she is, a woman called Joy, played with exquisite precision by Bel Powley, staring into her bathroom mirror, waiting for the affective life to roll…

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