Kimi

As we’re reminded by Kimi, a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic was the hastened reliance on technology to guide our interactions both personally and professionally, often at the expense of necessary safeguards.

Within the framework of a cautionary tale about technological overreach, this character-driven thriller from Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh is a sharply observed story of human compassion and connection during a time of collectively fragile mental health.

Set against the backdrop of pandemic-fueled lockdowns, the story follows Angela (Zoe Kravitz), a home-based tech worker responsible for optimizing the performance of an Siri-style virtual-assistant device called Kimi by reviewing problematic private interactions.

One such incident provides evidence of a violent crime, which prompts Angela to escalate her findings to her superior (Rita Wilson). But with the fledgling high-tech firm on the verge of public-stock offering, its executive (Derek DelGaudio) knows that making such a troubling discovery public could be ethically problematic and financially disastrous.

Eventually, Angela must confront her agoraphobia triggered in part by a traumatic incident from her own past — despite attempted therapeutic calls with her beleaguered mother (Robin Givens). When Angela ventures outside to expose the truth, she learns what really motivates the firm’s insistence on covering it up.

Slick and stylish, the film benefits from Soderbergh’s efficient technical flourishes to achieve a Rear Window vibe, including his use of sound and camera angles to exacerbate the sense of unease.

Meanwhile, the tightly wound screenplay by David Koepp (Jurassic Park) efficiently taps into broader paranoia regarding big-brother surveillance, unscrupulous data tracking, and residual pandemic stress.

The film gradually builds suspense despite taking place mostly in a single physical location and through conversations on screens. However, it strains credibility to suggest that someone with Angela’s instincts isn’t suspicious of the company’s moral bankruptcy until it’s too late.

Kravitz (Divergent) effectively balances strength and vulnerability as a loner whose blue-haired flamboyance and take-charge swagger mask crippling insecurities about what’s outside her door.

Despite settling for a conventional final showdown, Kimi offers a timely plea to be mindful of internet security and online privacy. Angela’s harrowing ordeal puts a face on your conveniently verbose “smart” device, and it’s not a pretty one.

Rated R, 89 minutes.