Netflix Sci-Fi Romance Pits A Couple Against The Most Powerful Force On The Planet

The Adjustment Bureau follows congressman David Norris—portrayed by Matt Damon—who, after an unsuccessful run for the US Senate, meets Elise (Emily Blunt) while rehearsing his speech.

The two share a kiss and go their separate ways and David, despite not getting Elise’s name and being inspired by the kiss, delivers a rather candid speech that’s not only well-received by his supporters but makes him a favorite for the next Senate election.

Several weeks later, David meets Elise again, and this time, they share contact info, but as he arrives at work, he’s greeted by a man named Richardson.

Richardson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, reveals to David the existence of the Adjustment Bureau, a secret organization that ensures people go according to a plan created by the organization’s chairman. He then warns David not to seek Elise out, warning him that both his memory and his entire existence would be erased if he tells everyone of what has been revealed to him.

Of course, David doesn’t listen—he finds Elise sometime later and not only gets himself in trouble with the Bureau but also pits the couple against the most powerful force in the world.  

We won’t spoil the movie further; instead, we encourage you to watch the movie if you’re interested in cinematic explorations on fate vs. free will, but also love, sacrifice, and consequences.

The Adjustment Bureau was based on a sci-fi short story, “Adjustment Team”, written by Philip K. Dick in 1954. It had great success among the critics and the audiences, holding 72 percent ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, and featured some pretty interesting filming techniques.

Namely, the production team used a dolly or a crane to keep camera movements smooth when the Adjustment Bureau was in full control and hand-held cameras that would introduce shakiness when the Bureau was losing said control over human destinies.

The symbolism in the movie is clearly intended to raise some questions, especially since the Chairmen represent God, while his caseworkers are angels.

Of course, none of this is explicitly mentioned in The Adjustment Bureau, but there’s a particular “A-ha!” moment in one of the scenes with Matt Damon and Terence Stamp, whose character is called The Hammer in the movie.

The Adjustment Bureau went on to earn $127.8 million against its $62 million budget, which is a modest financial success. Sadly, the film’s narrative, regardless of how fantastic of a story it tells, never left any room for a sequel.

Perhaps that’s for the best; some of the best movies are one-offs. Those interested in giving The Adjustment Bureau a shot can watch the movie on Netflix. It’s a good way to spend 106 minutes, we promise.