I’ve been slowly working through a mix of films and series lately, and Foe stood out for all the right reasons. It’s original, intriguing and visually breathtaking, unfolding at a measured pace that lets the mystery build naturally.
Starring Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan, Foe is an intimate science-fiction drama that blends psychological tension with some breathtaking cinematography. Filmed in regional Australia, the isolated landscapes become as important as the characters themselves, creating a world that feels both beautiful and quietly unsettling.
It reminded me of the idea behind every great magic trick: first comes The Pledge, introducing something that seems ordinary; then The Turn, where that ordinary world begins to shift; and finally The Prestige, where everything you thought you understood is challenged. Foe follows a similar rhythm, gradually revealing its hand rather than rushing towards big moments.
Without giving too much away, it’s a film that asks interesting questions about identity, relationships and what it really means to be human. Rather than relying on action, it builds tension through uncertainty, leaving you to piece things together as the story unfolds.
Normal People introduced me to Paul Mescal’s work, while The Outrun made me want to see more of Saoirse Ronan. Seeing them together in Foe was more than enough reason to give it a watch, and neither disappointed. Ronan brings a warmth and quiet vulnerability to Hen, while the film’s understated styling and cinematography make it easy to understand why Junior is so devoted to her. Their performances carry almost every scene, making the emotional moments feel genuine even as the story ventures into more unsettling territory.
If you enjoy intelligent, thought-provoking science fiction that trusts its audience, Foe is well worth your time.
Behind the scenes