The Forgotten Kristen Stewart Sci-Fi Romance Movie To Stream On Max Right Now

By Steven Nelson | Updated

If you thought Kristen Stewart could only play brooding in a fantasy vampire teeny-bopper setting, think again. She’s more than capable of pulling off the same general gestalt in the sci-fi dystopian realm as well. With that in mind, step into a mesmerizing and thought-provoking dystopian world with Equals, a captivating sci-fi romance streaming on Max

In Equals, the story revolves around Nia (Kristen Stewart) and Silas (Nicholas Hoult), two individuals who find themselves experiencing “Switched-On Syndrome,” a condition that restores emotions in a world where feeling is forbidden. 

In Equals, Kristen Stewart and Nicholas Hoult are in a dystopian society where emotions are supressed

Directed by Drake Doremus, this 2016 film presents a society where emotions are suppressed in the name of peace and harmony. As Kristen Stewart and Nicholas Hoult navigate the complexity of newfound emotions and forbidden love, they risk everything in a society that views emotions as dangerous.

kristen stewart
Kristen Stewart in Equals

Faced with the danger of being discovered and punished for their newfound feelings, Nia and Silas must navigate a world that views love as a threat (oh the horror!). Their illicit romance unfolds secretly, marked by stolen glances and hidden moments of intimacy. One might say it beats falling in love with vampires, but not by much.

As their emotions intensify, Nia and Silas become more aware of the stark contrast between their emotionally suppressed society and the depth of their own feelings. The film captures the blossoming connection between the two characters, as they explore love, desire, and the complexities of human emotions.

As they strive to keep their feelings hidden from their watchful society, Equals delves into themes of identity, individuality, and the essence of humanity. Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Nia adds depth and vulnerability to the character, making the emotional journey all the more captivating.

This is to say, her brooding works in this one. The chemistry with Nicholas Hoult’s Silas brings authenticity to their forbidden romance, tugging at the heartstrings of the audience.

kristen stewart

Equals is a somewhat poignant and captivating sci-fi romance that leaves a moderately lasting impact. There is some visually striking cinematography for sure and bits and bobs of a thought-provoking narrative, the film works to offer a compelling exploration of love and emotions in a world where feeling is forbidden. 

For those seeking a dystopian, white-suited background with love at the forefront, you can do a lot worse.

Kristen Stewart’s Breakthrough Was In Twilight

kristen stewart

Kristen Stewart’s career is adorned with a diverse array of roles that showcase her talent and versatility as an actress. She first gained widespread recognition for her breakout role as Bella Swan in the immensely popular Twilight film series, based on Stephenie Meyer’s novels.

Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of the young and relatable Bella captivated audiences worldwide, propelling her to international stardom. She’s parlayed that into relatively similar roles (emotionally) though with decidedly different backdrops.

Beyond her iconic role in Twilight, Stewart demonstrated also rolled through a number of independent films to gain a little distance from Bella. In 2010, she starred in The Runaways, where she embodied the rebellious spirit of rock icon Joan Jett. Her portrayal was praised for its authenticity and commitment to the character.

Kristen Stewart has made a career taking on different roles following Twilight, working to distance herself from Bella Swan

One of Stewart’s career highlights came with her role as Valerie in Snow White and the Huntsman (2012). Her portrayal of the fierce and determined Snow White showcased her ability to portray strong female characters, cementing her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

Stewart continued to explore challenging roles, delivering acclaimed performances in films such as Still Alice (2014), where she portrayed the supportive daughter of a woman battling Alzheimer’s disease. Her nuanced performance earned her critical acclaim and recognition in the industry.

In recent years, Stewart has embraced a wide range of roles, from a personal shopper experiencing supernatural encounters in Personal Shopper (2016) to a submarine engineer in Underwater (2020) and another dystopian turn in 2023s Crimes of the Future. Her commitment to diverse and complex characters showcases her dedication to her craft and her fearlessness in taking on unconventional roles. It’s served her well.

As an actress, Kristen Stewart has proven time and again that she is unafraid to explore different genres and challenge herself with each new project. Her ability to infuse authenticity (and that scowl) and depth into her characters continues to captivate audiences and solidify her reputation as a talented and versatile performer in the world of cinema.

With that in mind, check out Equals streaming on Max now.