LIMITLESS. A sci-fi thriller similar to superhero stories

Apparently, humans use only a small fraction of their brain’s potential. Vegan-telepath Todd Ingram from the world of Scott Pilgrim explains this by claiming that sour milk and whey, consumed through dairy products, accumulate in brain cells. But that’s a topic for an entirely different article. The concept of unlocking “full potential” is not new in film or literature. However, it remains compelling enough to intrigue audiences time and again. In Limitless, Eddie Morra is a writer—or at least he thought so when he signed a book contract with a publisher. In addition to a complete creative block, he’s grappling with personal issues: his girlfriend leaves him with a firm “goodbye,” unable to tolerate any longer that her boyfriend looks like a hobo and his apartment resembles a dumpster. But then fate intervenes, introducing Eddie to an old acquaintance who offers him a cure-all solution. That solution comes in the form of a modest, colorless pill. This pill not only grants Eddie extraordinary mental clarity but also enables him to recall everything he has ever learned—consciously or subconsciously. Predictably, taking the pill comes with dangerous consequences, and the sudden appearance of an all-around genius attracts the attention of some powerful individuals.

When I think about what Limitless resembles most, stories about superheroes come to mind. Here we have an archetypal protagonist at a crossroads in life, grappling with various problems—a character we almost instinctively root for. It’s clear the guy is sharp, and the challenges he faces seem more the result of fate than personal failings. But once he experiences his “radioactive spider bite,” not only does Eddie’s perception of the world change, but so does his physical appearance. Even the way the film depicts action shifts—when the drug takes effect, the previously muted, bluish tones burst into vivid, vibrant colors. Of course, Eddie doesn’t suddenly don a brightly colored costume he designed during a montage with a catchy musical theme playing in the background. Instead, he fully embraces his newfound abilities to achieve specific, premeditated goals. At one point, he even faces a nemesis with similar “powers.”

“Oh no, the reviewer is spoiling the plot for no reason and without warning,” someone might cry. Let me reassure you and explain why I’m mentioning this. The creators avoided the trap of trivializing supernatural abilities. Since transforming from an ordinary citizen into an intellectual Superman requires merely reaching into one’s pocket for a magic pill, it’s obvious this option wouldn’t be exclusive to the protagonist. Ignoring this element would defy logic, and its inclusion adds depth to the film. That said, this introduces a slight discord, as the film’s resolution feels somewhat underdeveloped. Leaving the theater, one might sense that the now-empty screening room still holds untapped potential. It seems the creators feared venturing too far into “comic book territory” and stopped the screenwriter a little too early.

In a way, Limitless also functions as a variation on the story of Dr. Jekyll. Both feature a drug designed to reveal a person’s true nature. However, the modern Mr. Hyde is not a brutish Neanderthal but a brilliantly intelligent, calculating, methodical, and supremely confident Wall Street broker. He wears tailored suits and ties that cost three-figure sums in dollars. At the same time, he exudes personal charm, aided by the film’s relatively light tone, so we never truly dislike him—even when he bluntly points out that he’s better than someone else. After all, isn’t he right?

Much of the credit for this goes to Bradley Cooper, who may not be a great actor but pours his heart and charisma into both personas he portrays. On the other hand, it’s a bit of a shame for Robert De Niro, whose role exists mainly so marketers could slap his name on the poster. Practically any actor of a similar age could have played his part with equal success. Nevertheless, Limitless offers enjoyable entertainment of a decent caliber.