This sci-fi masterpiece is France’s answer to The Matrix.

The 1999 film The Matrix left a monumental impact on many viewers, showcasing the power of science fiction. However, another masterpiece, this time from France, has had a similar significance for the author. This piece serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of French science fiction, particularly highlighted by the recent bankruptcy of a prominent French publishing house.

A Must-See Masterpiece for Sci-Fi Enthusiasts

In 1999, the Wachowskis revolutionized global cinema with The Matrix. This cyberpunk film, which draws on multiple influences including Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Jean Baudrillard’s essay Simulacra and Simulation, and Hong Kong cinema, captivated both audiences and critics alike with its innovative form and profound content. Much has already been said about the Matrix tetralogy, and we highly recommend the engrossing special edition dedicated to it, published by our colleagues at Rockyrama. Although the Wachowskis have continually denied the “anti-establishment” label some viewers attach to their saga, this refusal stems from a desire to preserve its political message. Indeed, The Matrix serves as a deeply political work.

In this context, another cyberpunk work released in 1999 shares many traits with The Matrix. This is the French novel The Outside Zone by Alain Damasio. Some readers may raise an eyebrow at this comparison, which might seem forced at first glance. Yet, despite their apparent differences—such as the fact that The Outside Zone is not strictly an action novel—the Wachowski trilogy and Damasio’s book share much more than meets the eye. But what is The Outside Zone about?

Exploring Dystopia and Rebellion

The debut novel by Alain Damasio—often regarded as one of the greatest authors of French science fiction, known for works like The Horde of Counterwind and The Furtives—The Outside Zone immerses readers in the year 2084. Following a nuclear war, a part of humanity has evacuated an increasingly inhospitable Earth. Cerclon I, a city situated on a moon of Saturn, has become a model of democracy, at least on paper. Within this society, totalitarianism has taken a benevolent form reminiscent of social democracy, where citizens monitor one another. There’s no need for oppression; individuals conform to societal norms out of fear of standing out. However, a revolutionary movement known as the Volte, led by philosopher and strategist Capt, aims to awaken consciousness.

In a unique and poetic language, Alain Damasio explores the motivations and methods of rebellion in contemporary society. Rich in layers, The Outside Zone shares with The Matrix a reliance on French philosophical thought, including references to Michel Foucault and Gilles Deleuze. While the novel doesn’t use Plato’s Allegory of the Cave as a framework like The Matrix, Damasio frequently cites Jean Baudrillard among his key intellectual influences. (His forthcoming essay Silicon Valley, set to be published in 2024, engages deeply with the works of the French philosopher and sociologist.)

More broadly, The Outside Zone serves as a libertarian and anarchistic ode that aligns with The Matrix in its goal to shatter the comfortable prisons in which citizens confine themselves. Just as a significant part of humanity in The Matrix finds solace in ignorance, living a simulated, peaceful existence, the inhabitants of Cerclon are bombarded with games and entertainment designed to pacify their discontent.

There is much more to discuss regarding The Outside Zone, from its writing style to its characters such as Kamio, Slift, and Boule de Chat. To retain the element of surprise, we highly encourage you to read The Outside Zone, which stands as one of the peaks of French science fiction, along with the entire bibliography of Alain Damasio.