DARK MATTER

DARK MATTER: CRUSHING WEIGHT Genius is not static. It either builds and expands or diminished and contracts. But when it attempts to expand without given proper support, it can literally blow. With the rise in school shootings, rarely has there been a "based on real events" story about the shooter that has shown motivation in a tender yet fair way. This film does. Ye Liu is Liu Xing, a promising and eager Cosmology student come to study in the US from China. Perhaps more the rule than stereotypical, he joins the other members of the team and works without rest for his idol Professor Reisser, Aidan Quinn. For a time, he shines and shows much promise in his studies. In between his enthusiastic work efforts, he is shown the kindness of a socialite, Joanna Silver (flawless Meryl Streep) who has a strong interest in Chinese culture and therefore tries to help the new students. She takes interest in Liu Xing and develops an innocent fondness for him. Then the rough get going. The world of academia can be cut-throat and merciless which Liu Xing finds out bit by bit. He search for the truth then brings out Reiser's true delicate ego which coldly rejects and degrades him and for no other reason.
As is with these types of stories, there are many stressors that bring the character, once likeable and good, into a ruthless, heartless killer. Even guessing at the ending of the film does not make it any less crushing and sorrowful when it comes. This film is a brilliant snapshot which reminds us that we are all human beings and can be pushed only so far before the resistance comes.  Quinn gives just the right balance between a motivational Professor to a man with ego and just a hint of ass. Streep doesn't seem to act as much as she just seems to "be". She is compassionate, warm and friendly without being over bearing or angelic. However, the star of this film is Ye Liu. His character transitions through so many emotions, yet coming from a culture where emotion is not expressed openly and/or being away from home, away from his "known" he has to express that transition with his body and mostly, his eyes. It is his eyes that tell the story, that peer into his soul as it slowly dissolves. He is a gifted actor. This movie will move you unless you have no soul, and hopefully, it will remind you that we all do. I'm not saying all shooting rampage gunmen are only misunderstood souls. However, in this story, we are reminded that they can be just as human as the rest of us.
BIG Bite: Well acted, engrossing story and unforgettable film.