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Megalopolis, directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, made waves in 2024 with its ambitious storytelling, bold visuals, and complex themes. Although the film experienced a rocky run in theaters with mixed reviews and box office challenges, it quickly garnered interest from viewers curious about its digital release.
Now, the movie is set to reach a broader audience through home streaming, where fans of sci-fi and epic cinema can explore Coppola’s visionary take on utopia and the human condition. For those eager to watch from home, it will be available on major video-on-demand (VOD) platforms in November.
The film, which stars Adam Driver as an ambitious architect trying to build a utopian society amid political and social obstacles, offers both visual spectacle and philosophical depth.
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When can fans watch Megalopolis?
Following its theatrical release in September, Megalopolis struggled to make a significant impact at the box office. However, the film's journey continues with its upcoming digital release. Megalopolis will be available on premium video on demand (VOD) beginning Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
This means viewers can either purchase the film or rent it for a 48-hour viewing period on platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and other major VOD services. This digital release is an opportunity for Megalopolis to reach a wider audience who may have missed it in theaters. It could offer a fresh perspective on the film outside of its mixed theatrical reception.
Watching from the comfort of home allows viewers to fully absorb its intricate plot, deliberate pacing, and ambitious visual style without the distractions of a crowded theater setting. With many platforms offering high-definition and 4K streaming options, Coppola’s vision can be experienced in impressive detail.
What is Megalopolis the movie about?
Megalopolis is set in an alternate version of 21st-century New York City, now called New Rome, where society is starkly divided. At the film’s core is the character of Cesar Catilina, portrayed by Adam Driver, an innovative architect with a dream to rebuild New Rome as a futuristic utopia.
Cesar’s vision for the city involves transforming it with a revolutionary material he has invented called Megalon. As he passionately pushes his grand vision forward, Cesar finds himself in a power struggle with New Rome’s mayor, Franklyn Cicero, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is deeply skeptical of Cesar's ambitions.
The film also weaves in elements of Roman history and literature, drawing parallels between Cesar's ideals and the political dynamics of ancient Rome. Inspired by the Catilinarian conspiracy of 63 BC, Megalopolis portrays Cesar as a tortured visionary who sees his designs as a means to elevate society.
Alongside his story are his relationships with other central characters, including Cicero’s daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), who becomes both his muse and a partner in his ambitious mission. Throughout the movie, themes of love, betrayal, and power surface as Cesar grapples with obstacles not only from outside forces but from his own internal struggles and societal structures.
What is the message of Megalopolis?
At its core, the film explores the tension between progress and power, individual ambition, and collective good. Coppola’s film delves into how those in authority can often resist or suppress new ideas that might disrupt the status quo and how visionary thinkers face immense pressure when challenging entrenched societal norms.
Through Cesar's journey, the movie raises questions about the role of wealth, power, and artistic vision in shaping the future, examining who truly benefits from these grandiose ideas.
One central message is how societal structures frequently hinder innovation, suggesting that those who are creatively or scientifically driven should have the freedom to pursue their goals for the benefit of all. Cesar’s vision for Megalopolis is not just about architecture.
It’s an allegory for human progress, depicting the transformative power of art, science, and dreams. But while Cesar is portrayed as a forward-thinking hero, Megalopolis doesn’t ignore the flaws in his character.
His relentless pursuit of his dream can sometimes come across as self-serving, raising ethical questions about the myth of the singular genius who believes only they can change the world.
Another message conveyed in the movie is the potential failure of traditional societal structures in promoting true progress. Cesar’s struggle against bureaucracy and corruption underscores the film’s commentary on how certain systems and authorities can lack the vision to propel humanity forward.
It implies that the pursuit of utopia is not just an architectural endeavor but a deeply philosophical one, requiring fundamental changes to the way society operates.
Yet, some critics have pointed out that the movie may at times present a contradictory message.
On one hand, it champions the idea of societal change driven by creative individuals; on the other, it questions if the wealthy elite is truly the right agent for such change, as they are often shown to be self-serving and disconnected from the needs of ordinary people.
Additionally, the film portrays the working class as both resistant to change and easily manipulated by populist ideals, which adds a complex layer to the film’s message about class and progress.
Megalopolis will be available for streaming at home starting November 12, 2024, on premium VOD platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Google Play.
