Bright is a Netflix original science fiction film released in 2017. The movie is directed by David Ayer, written by Max Landis and stars Will Smith (Independence Day, Men in Black one, two & three, I am Legend and After Earth), Joel Edgerton (Star Wars: episodes two and three and Zero Dark Thirty), Noomi Rapace (Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, What Happened to Monday), Lucy Fry (Vampire Academy), and Édgar Ramirez (Zero Dark Thirty and The Girl on the Train).

The movie is rated TV-MA, due to language, violence, and some nudity. Click here for a detailed examination of the film’s rating.

Released worldwide on December 22, 2017, Bright quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular streaming choices. Set in an alternative universe where fantasy and magic are real, Will Smith plays Daryl Ward, an LAPD police officer paired with Nick Jakoby (Joel Edgerton), the nation’s first orc officer.

The Bright world is an awkward reflection of our own. Elves are the upper, ruling class, and Orcs comprise the seething underclass, with humans in the middle. Other mythical creatures are briefly seen, including fairies and a dragon flying in the background of one shot.

In a long night of fighting evil elves and corrupt cops, Daryl Ward and Nick Jakoby must find a way to put aside their own differences and work together in order to live. At times I didn’t know how they were going to survive.

I enjoyed the film but Bright is far from a perfect movie. At times it is rushed, confusing and parts reminded me of the old cop partner TV shows. This film also reminds me of District 9, and it had some of the racial tolerance themes of that film, but I think Bright delivered them with more humor and in a more interesting setting. One of the funniest lines in the movie involves Will Smith and a fairy. Watch the trailer.

Many critics disagree with my assessment of Bright, while average viewers seem to have liked the movie. Netflix quickly ordered a sequel in which Will Smith and Joel Edgerton will reprise their roles.

This movie could have been a successful theatrical release. My recommendations are set up for theatrical release movies and perhaps, in the modern world of streaming channels, that needs to change. I wouldn’t subscribe to Netflix to see this movie, but, if you don’t mind moderate language and violence, or some nudity and you subscribe to Netflix this is one to watch. Recommendation: Buy the (metaphorical) Ticket and watch the film.