The film opens with Langdon waking up in a hospital in Florence, Italy, suffering from amnesia after being shot. He soon discovers that he has been pulled into a complex web of puzzles and riddles left behind by a man called Bertrand Zobrist. Zobrist, played by Ben Foster, is a brilliant scientist who firmly believes that the world is on the brink of overpopulation and that drastic measures are required to save it from self-destruction.
To this end, Zobrist has created a virus that can wipe out half of the world’s population. The virus is hidden in a container that can only be opened by solving a puzzle that he has left behind. He has set a deadline of 48 hours for the virus to be released, after which it will be too late to stop it. Langdon teams up with Sienna Brooks, a young doctor played by Felicity Jones, to decipher the clues and prevent the virus from being released.
Inferno is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seat from start to finish. The chemistry between Hanks and Jones is fantastic, and the two actors share great onscreen chemistry that adds a depth to the film that is often lacking in action thrillers. The supporting cast, including Irrfan Khan, Omar Sy, and Sidse Babett Knudsen, is also excellent in their respective roles, fleshing out the world created by Howard and the screenwriters.
The film is visually stunning, thanks to the breathtaking locations in which it was shot. Howard takes audiences on a tour of some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, including the Boboli Gardens in Florence, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The locations are not only visually impressive, but also play a crucial role in advancing the plot, with each landmark providing a clue that helps Langdon and Brooks get closer to solving Zobrist’s puzzles.
One of the film’s most impressive features is its clever use of symbolism and art history. Dan Brown is famous for weaving real-life art, architecture, and historical themes into his novels, and the film adaption honors this by incorporating them into the film in unique, visually stunning ways. This is most evident in the scenes set in the Palazzo Vecchio, which is filled with hidden messages and symbols that play a key role in the film’s climax.
Inferno is not without its flaws, however. The film does suffer from a lack of character development, with many of the supporting characters feeling underdeveloped and one-dimensional. This is especially apparent with the character of Bertrand Zobrist, who is an interesting character but is not given enough screen time to fully explore his motivations and beliefs. Additionally, while the action sequences are exciting and well-choreographed, they can sometimes feel over-the-top and unrealistic.
Overall, Inferno is an enjoyable, action-packed thriller that will keep audiences engaged and entertained until the very end. While the film may not be perfect, it is a great adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel, with Ron Howard delivering another visually stunning and engaging film that leaves audiences wanting more.