One definition of the word ‘entropy’ means a gradual decline into disorder. What makes this film of the same name interesting, is that it does the exact opposite. It starts in chaos and ends with a semblance of order. Observe.
Dan Chen (who wrote, directed, and stars in the film) begins the film in an arresting time for many people: the pandemic. He plays a scientist who gets wrapped up in the science of memory and time – who is also trying to date online while living under quarantine. Each online date with a woman becomes a test subject for Chen as he records their responses to him: his Asian features, his intellect, and his likes and dislikes.
Chen’s character is named Brian Au, which on paper looks to be very smart – but as Chen says himself, he is increasingly afraid of the women on Zoom not liking him because of his Asian look and name, as well as his love of Star Trek. He even goes so far as to change his name to Brian O’Brien on the dating site to hide his Asian nature, afraid that the women he meets will dismiss him for the way he looks. It also doesn’t help that he is doing this all from his mom’s basement, a subject that he is reluctant to mention to his future mates. This online dating montage really stood out in the film as a condensed version of the ‘real life’ dating world with all the rejection, failures, and insecurities in abundance.
None of these setbacks hinders Chen though. He keeps trudging along trying to find solutions to both his hypotheses and his heart. Eventually he meets a fellow like-minded scientist Mimi Frank, played beautifully with a natural grace by Lily Greenwald. They connect almost immediately and agree to meet in person. They have instant chemistry as they navigate getting to know one another, connecting over scientific theories and the power of the brain versus the heart.
The chemistry between Chen and Greenwald settles into a calm comfortability. It is clear that they are intrigued with one another, and they both interact with each other in such a natural way it almost feels as if the audience is peeking into a real life story.
In fact, the whole film is presented in this faux documentary style. Each shot is crafted and deftly handled by Renee Ray (cinematographer) and Chen, who executed the editing. Everything about the film felt organic as if Chen had set up a private camera to record his time during the pandemic.
Entropy executes an excellent job of letting the audience in to view a man’s journey through love in an unprecedented time. It proves that no matter what the world may be going through, love always finds a way.
