One of the joys of science fiction is that it offers an opportunity for genuine creativity, to mold the world into shapes people would never see otherwise. Good sci-fi movies use this to think expansively, deeply, or, if audiences are lucky, both — Vesper falls into the first category. With a dystopia caused by synthetic biology run amok as its organizing principle, the film takes great pleasure in exploring its world, which is both visually and conceptually stimulating.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY As explained in an ominous title card, Vesper takes place after humanity's attempt to avert ecological disaster with genetic technology backfires, wiping out not only most people, but the world's natural flora and fauna. Society is now firmly divided into the haves, who live in enclosed, technologically advanced Citadels, and the have-nots, who do their best to survive outside of them.
This is equally beneficial to Vesper's development, as the viewer comes to understand her through her ability to confidently navigate this dangerous landscape. A few early challenges allow her to demonstrate her intellect, while interactions with her uncle, who has designs on turning her into, as she says, one of his "breeders," show off her resolve.
These two elements — the design-driven worldbuilding and Vesper’s development — keep viewers engaged, but they have to overcome a few weaknesses to do so. The film is a bit too long, with the middle feeling like somewhat of a holding pattern, and even though the story needs it to, Vesper's dynamic with Camellia doesn't ever work as well as that with her father.