Æon Flux is a 2005 American science fiction action film directed by Karyn Kusama, based on the animated television series created by Peter Chung that aired on MTV from 1991 to 1995.
The film stars Charlize Theron as the title character, alongside Marton Csokas, Jonny Lee Miller, Sophie Okonedo, and Pete Postlethwaite.
Set in the year 2415, the story unfolds in a dystopian future where a deadly virus has wiped out most of humanity, leaving only a small population living in a walled city called Bregna. This city is governed by a congress of scientists who maintain strict control over the populace. Æon Flux is a top operative in the Monican rebellion, which seeks to challenge the oppressive regime.
The plot kicks off when Æon is sent on a mission to assassinate Trevor Goodchild (Marton Csokas), a government leader. However, as she delves deeper into her mission, she uncovers hidden truths about her world and the government’s secrets. The film explores themes of rebellion, identity, and the moral complexities of freedom versus control.
Æon Flux was released on December 2, 2005, and received generally negative reviews from critics. While some praised its visual style and Theron's performance, many criticized its convoluted plot and lack of character depth. The film grossed approximately $53 million worldwide against a production budget of around $62 million.
Despite its shortcomings, Æon Flux remains notable for its ambitious attempt to adapt an avant-garde animated series into live-action, showcasing striking visuals and action sequences. The film's unique aesthetic and themes continue to resonate with fans of the original series, though it did not achieve the same cult status.