Karmalink is a technologically advanced, dismal children's adventure movie that incorporates spirituality. The Foreigner's writer-director Jake Wachtel (who also co-wrote the script with christopher Larsen) has created a gorgeous film with a unique, genre-defying story. Even though the dialogue frequently falls flat during pivotal scenes when the movie tries to go too cerebral, the story is compelling enough to keep one interested. Each of the performances is really likeable, and each phrase is spoken earnestly. Both the style and execution are flawless and perfectly match the sets for a movie set in the near future.

For those who can afford it, augmented nanotech in a future cambodia provides countless opportunities. Long-time inhabitants of the capital city of Phnom Penh are battling to keep their homes in the soon-to-be-gentrified city. Leng Heng (Leng Heng Prak) and Srey Leak, two odd new buddies among the local youngsters (Srey Leak Chhith). Leng Heng has aspirations for a different life and is aware that nanotechnology can get him closer to understanding the secrets of a stolen treasure. Srey Leak is struggling and is keen to polish the equipment required to pair with his data. Dr. Vattanak Sovann (Sahajak Boonthanakit), the inventor of the technology, wants to push the boundaries of what it means to connect with your past.

The Karmalink visual effects are excellent. The images on iPads that detect brain activity while users are using them and the displays that appear when individuals use nanotechnology are not particularly impressive. However, the overall integration of CGI works in concert with the backgrounds and lighting to create a seamless, lifelike experience. Aerial bombings are displayed via time shifts, and they are both well-executed and intense. The futuristic planes in the present timeline complement the rest of the set design and elevate it, yet the historical planes feel urgent as they descend.

Nevertheless, Karmalink is probably unlike any other movie that viewers have seen. Kids find the living embodiment of the most cutting-edge technology while on a trans-dimensional treasure quest. It has been done before, but not in this universe or with a sincere spiritualism search influencing every character's choices. The use of cambodia as the backdrop also gives the movie a unique feel and should serve as a reminder to all filmmakers that there are other cities besides New York City and Los Angeles. But by the time the movie is over, there aren't necessarily more good questions than there are answers. The dialogue detracts from the writing even though all of the performances are excellent. Karmalink is nonetheless distinctive, thoughtful, and charmingly flawed.