Megalopolis

Megalopolis has built a real following in Australia on MUBI, and in the UK on MUBI among viewers who want their sci-fi to think as hard as it looks. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 1,010 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Adam Driver leads a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. Available now on MUBI — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Megalopolis keeps coming up in conversation. Megalopolis uses its genre premise as cover for asking bigger questions. In a futuristic New York known as New Rome, visionary architect Cesar Catilina dreams of building "Megalopolis," a utopian city that redefines society’s limits. Opposing him is the corrupt Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who clings to power and profit. Between them stands Julia, the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar forces her to choose between loyalty, ambition, and the fate of humanity. Adam Driver and Giancarlo Esposito lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2024. What separates Megalopolis from lesser genre entertainment is a willingness to let the concept cost the characters something. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, Megalopolis fits the bill. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Adam Driver anchors it with a performance that makes the more abstract moments feel personal. If you have been burned by ambitious sci-fi before, this is the exception.