User reviews

Theres a pretty cool bunch of visual employed in delivering this performance. Definately a band to see live

"Simulation Theory" is an amped up Muse band concert experience featuring a state-of-the-art light show mixed with CGI and acting cuts. If you're a fan of Muse then you'll definitely love this artistic expression of life as a simulation. It's pretty well done but it's not film/theatre-quality, the director (Lance Drake) is an experienced Muse music video director so "Simulation" plays much more like an extended band video than a movie per se. It's really good for what it is but I think many of us wanted a more movie-like experience. Anyway, don't skip the end credits since there's a screed against Big Social/Ad Media that you may want to nod to.

I'm writing this review from the perspective of someone who has watched the Simulation Theory world tour live, in a stadium that was twice as big as the arena from the movie. I experienced it live, and I believe the movie translates that experience very, very faithfully.

Here's the problem with the negative reviews: People are getting into this expecting an actual movie (rightfully so, it wasn't marketed very clearly).

Here's what it actually is: A live recording of their concert in O2 London, similar to their recordings of Hullabaloo, Wembley, and the Rome Olympic Stadium before. This one, however, is complemented by scenes that push the musical narrative further, shot separately.

These scenes are NOT standalone but simply an addition to a narrative-based concert. Yes, the live concert itself was very narrative-based, much of the writing and talking you see on screen in the non-musical sections were there in the concert itself, and it would have been nearly impossible to translate that onto the screen if it isn't happening all around you. I believe this is what led to the decision of shooting standalone scenes that complement the concert (all of which, in one way or another, were portrayed in the concert itself on the screen, through dancers, through props, or voice overdubs).

What this film does is that it simply attempts to convey the duality of the narrative and the concert's excitement as accurately as possible while making it equally as entertaining from home. As someone who has both attended it live and watched the home film, I can say that it very accurately does exactly what it was made for. My only grip is the exclusion of some of my favourite live songs they played: Bliss, Micro Cuts, Knights of Cydonia, Hysteria, and Plug in Baby.

Special performance from a special band. The way they've molded this live performance into a film is nothing short of genius. The simulation theory is truly a one off. The dialogue in the film is so relevant to what is going on in the world too. Definitely worth a watch.

Muse is my favourite band of all times. That might trick you into thinking that I'm biased, which I probably am, but objectively speaking: this is one helluva masterpiece! I'm so glad I get to know this band, and when they come out with material like this I can't feel anything else but gratitude towards them, because damn they are good! I'm lucky for I have seen them live twice, and the movie brought many memories back to me. Still, I would recommend this one to someone who doesn't know the band, 'cause it keeps you interested in the plot through the visuals, and obviously the amazing music. Matt, Chris, Dom (and Morgan) are pure geniuses!

I've watch it straight and might add the movie is very satisfying. Let's see: we're talking about difficult themes and styles to be insert in a music, and combine all of those new songs with more others from the past is a formule to a soft storytelling. But the manner the movie and lives were directed made be something original with so many vasted concepts.

...this is the remedy!

Classic rock sound, well presented, we need more like this!

I applaud Muse's desire to bring a different experience to an otherwise ordinary concert viewing. Following the band's Simulation Theory album, this live performance follows plot-wise a group of scientists who are investigating the source of different anomalies occuring around the globe. One of these investigators, wearing a hazmat suit, suddenly appears at an empty O2 Arena in London, with an arcade machine near him. When he stands in front of it, he enters the simulation, and out of nowhere the arena is filled with thousands of people, and mighty Muse begin their incendiary set.

Along the way, into the songs and in-between, the plot keeps developing, giving an entirely different experience than just enjoying the songs being performed by the band. Because the plot is also directly related to the setlist, it was carefully thought-out as to make the story all the more cohesive. That meant that the band had to leave out some of its iconic live regulars such as Time is Running Out, Plug In Baby, Hysteria and usual night-closer Knights of Cydonia, which honestly weren't going to fit into the visual aesthetic and the overall sound of the latest record, of which this live show is based on.

There were other Muse classics that felt rightly incorporated, like Mercy, Madness, Starlight and the fantastic rendition of Take a Bow, from 2006's Black Holes and Revelations. The visual style of the concert was very reminiscent of the 80s, inspired by the decade's biggest movies and cultural moments, along with a strong neon aesthetic that resonated well with the music. Not only were there camera or visual effects happening on screen but also many dancers and performers on stage, doing coordinated routines and wearing outfits that match the thematic of the song being performed at that particular moment.

An absolutely mesmerizing display of musicianship that Muse is greatly accustomed to, with the addition of spectacular visuals and flamboyant stage performance, and with a finale that will knock you over your seat! And in the context of this pandemic in 2020, you will be even more nostalgic of live shows and definitely will make you appreciate and enjoy more this show than in any other context. Just writing about it made me want to watch it all over again!

Oh man are they pushing this trash. You have to be so strung out on something before you'd ever give this awful flick anything over a 2*/10* . Yuck!

I really enjoyed this film hence the 9 star rating. I would have given 10 stars had the concert not been edited to death. The best part of Muse Concerts is the transition from song to sing and this misses that. Anyway it is still great viewing.

I was there live at the Goffertpark with over 60k people ive it was that good it would get a 10/10

It was such a good film and the visuals were really good it looked like being in simulation good editing. The only thing that disappointed me is that plug in baby and knights of cyndonia wasn't included but apart from that it was good or should I say awesome

Superb display and an quite original idea. Adds meaning and story to visuals, that have been used for the entire Simulation Theory Would Tour. The story feels relevant to the lyrics on display, therefore you get invested in the story surrounding the concert. Superb stuff overall. I mean can we just have a minute to appreciate the visuals, OH MY GOD

Musically, Muse delivers as usual, they really sell there identity, while also selling their renowned skills at engaging the crowd, this time through a whole other dimension.

Now there ain't many negatives, but I had a few. Nothing major. One thing is the sound mixing, I did accustomed to it later in the movie, but some of the background music did bother me at times. My main negative is however the OVERUSE OF SLOW MOTION, yes it makes for some cool shots, but takes you out of the immersion completely. It's definitely a subjective editing style, but 1/3 through it started to annoy me and I couldnt help noticing it, especially as it felt like it was there once every minute.

TL;DR 9/10 for an immersive experience, with a cool and relevant plot, that really made the format stand out. Lots of bonus points for the stunning visuals and no doubt a big score for the music on display. It's major let down is the editing, but might not be the most noticeable to viewers

I thought this was a movie, but turns out it's a effing concert. There is no sci, just songs. Get outta here, please!

Muse never fail to produce something big and like no other and that shows in this film! Graphics are amazing and the overall storyline behind Murph keeps you on edge and gripped! Best film of 2020 and it's going to take some beating!

Terrible music, terrible stage show and no real "sci-fi" film buried in here at all. Just kind dumb and insultingly stupid.

My god, if you can tell me who the audience is for this crap, please do! 12 year olds? Sheesh.

This movie is fantastic and I have never seen anything like this even tho I'm a Muse fan I must be used to this! Next we're gonna have a gig in space for real

Didn't know what to expect before watching it but it was very good, it's a film of the concert at the O2 in London, amazing music and special effects

I've never seen them live. Maybe they are awesome, their music certainly sounds good.

but

This movie is nothing more or less than a straight up demonic summoning ritual. Unless you enjoy having satan in your life, avoid.