Oregon is a minimalist, chilly, sci-fi film with a Matrix/Bladerunneresque feel to it. As to be expected in any futuristic feature, the set is grey, hard-edged, eerily symmetrical and sparce.

Directed by Rafael Fernandez, Oregon follows the story of an advanced society trying to track down a breakaway agent. There is nothing particularly groundbreaking about the plot. However, the brilliant spanning shots of empty blocks, the soundscape and the original musical score, create a creepy atmosphere brimming with tension.

The agents – clad in pristine black suits – communicate via garbled fax noises, and move like, well, robots. The use of contemporary familiar tech elements – such as having to enter an eftpos code to activate a gun – creates a familiar and light hearted feel to what would otherwise be a well produced yet dry film. The music beautifully juxtaposes the harder elements of the feature.

A film certainly worth watching, if only for the music and masterful camera work.

3 Stars

Watch Oregon here