CTRL (2024) Review: A Tech Thriller That Misses the Emotional Punch

Rating: 2.5/5

After watching Ctrl, I found the movie to have an interesting concept, but the execution left me wanting more. The storyline had a lot of potential, especially with its focus on modern-day fears around technology, control, and surveillance. However, the emotional intensity needed to truly elevate the film was missing.

While Ananya Panday was the lead, her performance didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Her portrayal of the main character, who is caught in a terrifying situation, felt too restrained and lacked the vulnerability and fear that the role required. I was hoping for more raw emotion, especially as her life started spiraling out of control, but it never fully came through. This lack of emotional depth made it difficult to connect with her character’s journey. There were moments where the script called for more raw emotion—like when her life starts spiraling out of control due to the hacker’s manipulation—but Ananya didn’t fully capture that desperation or vulnerability. I kept waiting for her to break through and really show us the emotional toll this was taking on her, but it never quite happened.

Vihaan’s performance in Ctrl really stood out to me, and I think he did a great job with his role. He brought a calm yet intense energy that balanced out the chaotic storyline. His character was supportive without overshadowing the main plot, but still managed to add depth to the story. He had a way of conveying emotions subtly, which I appreciated—he didn’t overdo it, but you could feel his presence and impact on the lead character’s journey.

As for the supporting cast, they were solid but didn’t leave a huge impression. They played their roles well, keeping the focus on the main conflict, but there were a few moments where I wished they had more depth or screen time to build their characters.

With that said, Tanmay Bhat and his comedian’s humor injected a refreshing dose of lightness into the film's otherwise intense atmosphere. His sharp wit and natural comedic timing provided a few much-needed laughs, breaking up the suspenseful and heavy moments. His one-liners felt well-placed and never detracted from the main plot, offering a bit of relief without shifting the film’s tone. Though his role was smaller, his presence was memorable, adding a nice balance to the overall seriousness of the movie.

The music in Ctrl was one of its stronger elements, helping to elevate the tension throughout the film. The eerie, electronic score matched the movie’s tech-focused plot perfectly. The subtle, pulsating beats during key moments created a sense of unease, building suspense without being too intrusive. The soundtrack really helped set the tone, especially during the more intense scenes where the character’s control was slipping away.

As for the cinematography, it was visually sleek and modern, using a cold, almost sterile color palette that reflected the digital, tech-heavy world of the story. The muted tones emphasized the character’s isolation and detachment as her life spiraled out of control. I appreciated how the film used tight framing to create a claustrophobic feeling, making the viewer feel as trapped as the protagonist. Wide shots were effectively placed to highlight her helplessness in a world dominated by technology.

Lighting and shadows played a big role in adding suspense. Dark, shadowy scenes intensified the mystery, while brighter, sterile environments created a sense of vulnerability and unease. The overall visual style was consistent and did a great job of reinforcing the film's themes, adding to the psychological tension.

Overall, Ctrl had an intriguing premise but didn’t quite live up to its potential. In terms of music and cinematography, Ctrl did a lot right, and these elements really helped elevate the movie's overall experience. Unfortunately, the emotional disconnect in the performances prevented the film from reaching its full potential, despite these strong technical aspects.