High concept ‘The Discovery’ streaming now

Because you can always stay home and watch Netflix instead

A timeless, universal angst exists: what happens when we die? Does anything happen at all? Even if science could answer those questions, those who take comfort in religious hopes might be intrigued by the possibilities of irrefutable certainty. It would bring peace of mind, right?

Director Charlie McDowell, whose Rod Serling-like stories are so high concept that they make other high concepts look relatively formulaic, posits such a hypothetical in “The Discovery” (streaming exclusively on Netflix). It’s a sci-fi parable about a scientist who has proven the existence of the afterlife. But rather than embracing that revelation with euphoric relief, humanity’s response is much darker and more troubled. Suicides skyrocket on a mass scale.

This horrific fallout is the basis for some challenging ideas about what humans do with knowledge beyond their mental and spiritual pay grades. The depth of these themes are the strength of an otherwise mixed result of a movie that, on balance, is worthwhile if imperfect. The premise is fascinating, but some specific parts lack the strength of McDowell’s lofty intentions.

Jason Segal stars in “The Discovery” but he’s also its primary crutch. He plays Will, the disillusioned neurologist son of controversial scientist Thomas Harbor (Robert Redford). Despite the proof given, Will has doubts about the validity of this breakthrough finding. That doubt, coupled with his general pessimistic disposition, makes Will a conflicted, reluctant hero.

Rooney Mara plays Isla, another solemn, disturbed character. She holds a specific pain of her own, but Mara infuses Isla’s angst with an uncharacteristic energy, extroversion, and charisma. Will brings Isla to his dad’s private compound where other suicidal acolytes of Harbor have taken refuge. There, the two make more unexpected discoveries, including Thomas’s “next phase” experiment that’s pushing more boundaries.

The plot takes various twists and turns. Some are intriguing, others confusing, but the root problem is Segal. He’s an uncompelling filter for this provocative fable. A comic actor, Segal proved he could do serious drama in “The End of the Tour,” and he’s certainly earnest enough here. Nevertheless, his inability to carry Will’s heavy burdens in a convincing fashion undercuts the film itself, muting the connection between Will and Isla along with the story’s stakes.

Still, the ideas McDowell explores are provocative, all based in the keen insight that scientific discoveries cannot fill spiritual voids. When an afterlife is seen not as a comfort but an escape then the result of that knowledge is a devaluing of life. It’s also a sign that knowledge isn’t always power, especially when we’re unable to handle or comprehend its proper place in our lives. Knowledge in the hands of desperate people who rush to act on it is a dangerous thing.

In this respect, McDowell sees the certainty of science in more existential terms, questioning if it can offer the salvation that a secular culture often looks to science to provide. 

On Harbor’s cult-like compound, faith is seen as a weakness, a shame, because it’s an act of giving up your own agency, your own power. But as this story unfolds, it shows that knowledge doesn’t necessarily lead to clarity or self-empowerment; it often leads in the other direction, to more questions. Pursuing answers then becomes an addiction, one that will never find peace in the sobriety of mystery and faith.

This is McDowell’s follow-up to “The One I Love,” a smaller, better debut that everyone should seek out. Even though he’s not quite able to fulfill his ambitions in “The Discovery,” it’s those very ambitions that make it—and McDowell’s career—worth watching.

FULL CIRCLE

A brief rundown of what’s happening at Circle Cinema

OPENING MAY 1

Dig Two Graves
A dark, Southern gothic tale about a girl who, obsessed by her brother’s disappearance, goes on a nightmarish journey. Starring Tulsa’s own Samantha Isler. Not Rated.

Extreme Weather
Through epic footage, storm-chaser Sean Casey explores the interconnected forces of global weather in an ever-changing climate. A Nat Geo documentary, with Q&A by Oklahoma native Justin Walker. Not Rated.

Frantz
Set in the aftermath of WWI, a grieving young German woman meets a mysterious Frenchman at the gravesite of her fiancé. In French and German. Rated PG-13.

OPENING MAY 5

Raw
A gritty, queasy horror movie that lives up to its name, this French-language film follows the terrible, ugly consequences of when a young vegetarian woman strays from her principles to eat raw meat for the first time. Rated R.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Circle Members: Bring A Friend For Free Night
Circle Members are invited to bring one non-member for FREE. A classic short film will be screened, along with a trailer reel of upcoming movies and special events, plus a very special surprise guest. (Thur., May 4, 6 p.m.)

Bloodsport (1988) 
The Circle launches its new martial arts series “Kumite Theater” with this action cult classic starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Rated R. (Fri., May 5, and Sat., May 6, 10 p.m.)

The Outsiders (1983)
Showing on three screens, actors C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, and Darren Dalton will be in person to introduce each showing of this Tulsa-based classic, and engage in a Q&A after each screening. Opportunities for pictures and autographs follow in the gallery. Tickets for the event are $20. Rated PG. (Sun., May 5, 12:00 / 12:15 / 12:30 p.m.)

TED Talks Series
The inspiring TED Talk events continue on consecutive Monday nights. (May 8 and May 15, 7:00 p.m.)

Obsession: NT Live
Jude Law stars in this London stage adaptation of “The Postman Always Rings Twice.” Theatre Tulsa actor Nick Gains will host with trivia and giveaways starting at 5:45 p.m. (Thur., May 11, 6 p.m.)

Manhattan: 4K Restoration (1979)
Woody Allen’s follow up to his Oscar-winning Best Picture “Annie Hall,” this is a new digital restoration of the comedy auteur’s black-and-white love letter to New York City. Showing four nights only. Rated R. (May 11–14. Showtimes TBA.)

Robocop: 4K Director’s Cut (1987)
A digitally restored 30th anniversary screening of the sci-fi crime action classic about a haunted cyborg cop in crime-ridden Detroit. Rated R. (Fri., May 12, and Sat., May 13, 10 p.m.)

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
The Circle’s Anime Club presents this classic from Hayao Miyazaki, a magical tale about the adventures of two girls and nearby spirits of the forest. Rated G. (Sat., May 12, and Sat., May 13th, 10 p.m.)

Her Sister From Paris (1925 Silent Film) 
​Contance Talmadge stars with a double-role in this comedy with Ronald Colman, George K. Arthur, and Margaret Mano. Double-exposure photography allowed Talmadge to appear side-by-side as two different characters. Adults $5, Children $2. (Sat., May 13, 11 a.m.)

Bicycle Film Festival
This three-day festival has a specific focus each night: BMX (Monday), TULSA TOUGH (Tuesday), and BIKE SHORTS (Wednesday). Each evening begins with an hour-long pre-show event at 6 p.m. (15–17, 7 p.m.)

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You
This TV-producing icon of classic series like “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” Norman Lear is the latest recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize awarded at an event in L.A. To celebrate, this documentary screening is presented in partnership with Tulsa’s Woody Guthrie Center. A reception will follow the film. (Wed., May 17, 6:30 p.m.) 

For more from Jeff, read his review of IFC’s “Brockmire.”