William Gibson’s Quirky ’90s Cyberpunk Flick Lands on Netflix
While everyone’s waiting for Apple TV+ to drop ‘Neuromancer’, another wild William Gibson cyberpunk film from the ’90s is about to hit Netflix. Here’s why sci-fi fans should be keen.
With all eyes on the much-hyped Apple TV+ take on William Gibson’s iconic cyberpunk tale, Neuromancer, there’s another slice of Gibson’s work about to make a splash on Netflix. This one’s a bit of a cult classic from the mid-’90s, and while it might not be the author’s proudest moment, it’s still a cracking watch for anyone who loves a bit of retro sci-fi action.
Back in 1995, Gibson had a go at writing the screenplay for this film, which dropped right in the middle of Keanu Reeves’ golden run through the decade. The bloke was everywhere at the time, popping up in everything from surf heists to mind-bending blockbusters. This particular outing might not have set the world on fire, but it’s got its own oddball charm that’s hard to ignore.
Keanu Reeves and the ’90s Sci-Fi Boom
The ’90s were a wild time for science fiction on the big screen, and Reeves was front and centre for heaps of it. He’d already made waves with action-packed hits and was about to become a household name thanks to a certain virtual reality epic. In this Gibson-penned flick, he brings his usual laid-back style to a world packed with hackers, shady deals, and a fair bit of neon.
Even if the film didn’t win over every critic, it’s got a loyal following among fans who love its offbeat take on the genre. There’s something about the mix of dodgy tech, over-the-top villains, and a future that looks both dated and strangely possible that keeps punters coming back for more.
Why This Cult Classic Still Matters
For anyone keen on cyberpunk, this film is a bit of a time capsule. It captures the era’s fascination with the digital frontier, back when the internet was still a bit of a mystery and everyone was dreaming up wild futures. Gibson’s fingerprints are all over the story, even if the end result is a bit rough around the edges.
With the new Neuromancer series on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to revisit this earlier attempt to bring Gibson’s vision to the screen. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the techy weirdness, or just to see Reeves in another offbeat role, it’s well worth a look when it lands on Netflix.