The flickering glow of a holographic billboard casts an eerie light on the rain-slicked streets of Amar Hundal’s Warning (2021), a sci-fi anthology that straddles the line between thought-provoking and frustratingly disjointed. Marketed as an action film, this collection of loosely connected stories feels more like a series of cautionary tales than a conventional thriller, playing like ideas Charlie Brooker might have jotted down during a late-night brainstorming session—conceptually intriguing but narratively uneven.

Hundal’s anthology structure is its most compelling element, weaving together several segments that explore the dangers of mistrusting or misusing technology. Set in a not-so-distant future, these sketches are slickly engaging, with a visual polish that avoids the usual emphasis on fantastical or action imagery. This restraint allows for moments of genuine intrigue, particularly in sequences where characters grapple with the unintended consequences of their reliance on advanced tech. The cinematography is sharp, and the production design effectively sells the near-future setting without resorting to over-the-top spectacle.

However, Warning falters when it comes to cohesion and emotional resonance. The anthology format demands tight storytelling, but many segments feel underdeveloped, as if Hundal couldn’t decide whether he wanted to explore deep themes or just skim the surface of his ideas. The transitions between sketches are jarring, lacking the seamless flow that makes anthologies like Black Mirror work. Additionally, the performances, while solid, never rise above serviceable. Gippy Grewal, Dheeraj Kumar, and Prince Kanwaljit Singh deliver competent turns, but none of them leave a lasting impression.

The film’s originality is both its strength and its weakness. On one hand, it’s refreshing to see sci-fi cinema that prioritizes subtlety over bombast. On the other, the lack of a clear narrative throughline makes Warning feel more like a series of loosely connected vignettes than a cohesive whole. The genre fit is solid—it unquestionably belongs in the sci-fi anthology space—but it never quite reaches the heights of its peers.

One of the standout segments features Gippy Grewal as a character navigating a world where technology has become both a savior and a curse. His performance is nuanced, capturing the tension between reliance and distrust. However, even this segment suffers from a lack of depth, leaving viewers wanting more exploration of its themes.

Dheeraj Kumar’s segment, on the other hand, leans heavily into action, but it lacks the pacing and choreography to make it truly engaging. The fight scenes are functional but unremarkable, and the character motivations feel thinly drawn. Prince Kanwaljit Singh fares slightly better in his segment, which delves into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. His performance is solid, but the narrative arc feels rushed, leaving key questions unanswered.

The film’s production values are impressive, with a sleek aesthetic that enhances its futuristic setting. The use of lighting and color creates a visually striking world, even if the storytelling doesn’t always live up to the visuals. The sound design is equally effective, using subtle cues to build tension and atmosphere.

Despite its flaws, Warning has moments of genuine brilliance. The individual segments are thought-provoking, and the film’s exploration of technology’s double-edged sword is timely and relevant. However, the lack of a clear narrative throughline and the uneven performances hold it back from being truly memorable.

In terms of direction, Hundal demonstrates a keen eye for visual storytelling but struggles with pacing and narrative cohesion. His segments are visually striking, but they often feel rushed or underdeveloped. The transitions between segments are particularly problematic, as they lack the seamless flow that makes anthologies like Black Mirror so effective.

The film’s themes are timely and relevant, exploring the ways in which technology can both empower and enslave us. However, these themes are not explored as deeply as they could be, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The individual segments touch on a range of issues, from privacy to artificial intelligence, but none of them delve deep enough to make a lasting impact.

In the end, Warning is a film that teases potential without fully realizing it. It’s a fascinating experiment in sci-fi storytelling but one that ultimately falls short of its ambitions. For fans of anthologies like Black Mirror, there are enough intriguing ideas here to make it worth a watch. However, those looking for a more cohesive and emotionally resonant experience may be disappointed.

Warning is a film that will likely resonate most with viewers who enjoy thought-provoking sci-fi and are willing to overlook its narrative shortcomings. It’s not a film for casual viewers or those looking for a traditional action thriller. Instead, it’s a film for those who appreciate the genre’s ability to explore complex themes and ideas.

Hundal’s direction is solid but unremarkable, with moments of brilliance that are often overshadowed by pacing issues and underdeveloped narratives. The performances are competent but lack the depth and emotional resonance needed to truly connect with viewers.

The film’s originality is both its strength and its weakness. On one hand, it’s refreshing to see a sci-fi anthology that prioritizes subtlety over spectacle. On the other hand, this approach makes Warning feel more like a series of loosely connected vignettes than a cohesive whole.

In terms of genre fit, Warning is unquestionably a sci-fi anthology. However, it struggles to stand out in a crowded field. While it has moments of genuine brilliance, it lacks the narrative cohesion and emotional resonance that make anthologies like Black Mirror so effective.

Ultimately, Warning is a film that will likely appeal to niche audiences rather than mainstream viewers.