Uncharted (2022)
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
No · Ultra Based
How we score movies →Consciousness Markers
The film includes performers of color in supporting roles (Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle), but the two leads are white men and there is no particular emphasis on representation in the narrative itself.
No evidence of LGBTQ+ themes, characters, or representation in the film.
No evidence of feminist themes or commentary in this male-centered action adventure narrative.
No evidence of racial consciousness, racial themes, or commentary on systemic racism in the film.
No evidence of climate activism or environmental themes in this treasure-hunting adventure.
No evidence of anti-capitalist messaging or critique of wealth and corporate power in the narrative.
No evidence of body positivity themes or commentary on body image in this conventional action film.
No evidence of neurodivergent representation or themes in the film.
No evidence of revisionist historical commentary or reexamination of historical narratives.
No evidence of preachy social messaging or lecture-like delivery of progressive themes in the film.
Synopsis
A young street-smart, Nathan Drake and his wisecracking partner Victor "Sully" Sullivan embark on a dangerous pursuit of "the greatest treasure never found" while also tracking clues that may lead to Nathan's long-lost brother.
Why it received this score
Uncharted arrives as a monument to the video game adaptation, a glossy adventure spectacle that treats progressive social consciousness with the enthusiasm of a treasure hunter discovering a gift card. The film assembles a cast that includes performers of various backgrounds in supporting roles, which constitutes its sole concession to contemporary casting practices. Beyond this demographic window dressing, the narrative remains hermetically sealed against any meaningful engagement with social themes. Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg pursue ancient treasures across exotic locales while the film pursues nothing more ambitious than competent action sequences and mild quippy banter. The production bears the unmistakable stamp of a major studio tentpole designed for maximum global marketability and minimum controversy. It is a film that has correctly intuited that contemporary audiences expect certain baseline representation in ensemble casts, but it implements this expectation as routine obligation rather than artistic consideration. The result is something approaching ideological neutrality, which in the context of modern Hollywood blockbusters registers as almost radical restraint. One observes not a single lecture, not a hint of systemic critique, not even a whisper of the progressive sensibilities that have become standard equipment in prestige entertainment.
Analysis generated by our Consciousness Algorithm
Critic Reviews
“While Uncharted will never be a classic on par with Spielberg’s original swashbuckling adventure, it does no dishonor to that tradition, and even manages to deliver a few unique thrills.”
“Uncharted isn’t a classic, but for an action movie coming out in the doldrums of February, it’s practically Citizen Kane.”
“Since making his debut with “Zombieland,” director Ruben Fleischer has developed an aptitude for cheerful proficiency (if not a ton of discernible personality) that he deploys to great effect in this brisk pastiche, especially with Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg bickering their way through one set piece after another.”
“If less is more, Uncharted must be a masterpiece. It’s bloodless, heartless, joyless, sexless and, with one exception, charmless. The exception is Tom Holland, but what’s he doing in a slapdash action adventure adapted from a videogame? Making money, of course—gamers will flock.”