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'Clone Cops' Review: A Sci-Fi Satire That Offers Action, Humour, and a Touch of Introspection

Clone Cops
📷 Phillip Cordell - Clone Cops
By Romey Norton - February 2, 2025
 

While sequels and reboots often reign supreme in recent cinema, Clone Cops emerges as a refreshing anomaly - a film that dares to challenge perceptions and turn the sci-fi genre on its head. Directed by Danny Dones, this sci-fi action-comedy invites audiences into a world where outlaws confront not only the law but also existential dilemmas.


The story is set far, far into the future, and is a classic race against time, with its characters navigating a labyrinth of self-discovery and external threats. While the premise flirts with classic sci-fi tropes, it injects a dose of humour and humanity that sets it apart. The infamous NefariCorp controls all means of production as the mad scientist Frank sends out his army of clone cops to do his dirty work. They meet a bunch of heist criminals planning to shoot the leader who discover a secret that could destroy the entire NefariCorp operation, and the job now becomes about exposing the operation.


Keeping up? Yep, it’s a film with a lot going on in the plot.

Filled with quirky, strange characters, I was giggling from the get-go. Ravi Patel delivers a standout performance as Robert Nefari, the gang's de facto leader. His portrayal balances charisma with vulnerability. Quinnlan Ashe's Fera brings a fierce energy to the screen, complementing Dean Shortland's portrayal of Murphy, whose dry wit provides a steady stream of comic relief. Henry Haggard and Walter J. Buck’s scenes made me laugh the most through their zany performances and expressive faces. All the actors have strong chemistry on screen and great comedic timing - their outlandish and cartoonlike characters might make you think you're in a live-action cartoon.


There is a clever use of animations throughout helping you feel like you’re watching and even immersed in a video game. The film interrupts itself with its adverts, portraying itself as a streaming service. This is an interesting take but distracts from the story - but maybe that’s the point. Musically, Christopher Gentle's score underscores the film's tonal shifts from tension-filled sequences to moments of levity. Some bouncy beats help the sci-fi virtual-reality game elements massively.

Clone Cops
📷 Ted Welch & Schyler Tillett - Clone Cops

For an independent film on a tight budget, the production of the film is of decent value. Corey Allen's cinematography captures the gritty yet futuristic world with a keen eye for detail, using nice pastel colours, and the set decoration creates immersive environments that complement the story.


However, Clone Cops isn't without its flaws. Some plot twists are telegraphed a bit too early, there’s a lot of plates spinning when it comes to the story and plot so it’s a lot to keep up with as a viewer, and it does become confusing. A few character arcs could have benefited from more development. There are no clear good guys, which feels disjointed but does work in this futuristic environment. So, while it’s entertaining, well-acted, and visually compelling, the story needed ironing out.

Clone Cops
📷 Quinnlan Ashe - Clone Cops

Clone Cops poses intriguing questions about identity, social media, streaming, and the nature of existence. The dialogue is sharp, often laced with humour, yet capable of delivering poignant moments that resonate and will make you think afterward. For viewers seeking a film that offers action, laughs, and a touch of introspection, Clone Cops is a ride worth taking.


Out now in select cinemas & available on digital

 
Rating Clone Cops
 
Clone Cops

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