Life (2017) – Movie Review
Synopsis
"Life," directed by Daniel Espinosa, is a gripping sci-fi horror film that delves into the chilling possibilities of extraterrestrial life. Set aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the narrative centres around a team of six astronauts who make an astonishing discovery: the first evidence of life on Mars. This microscopic organism, initially believed to be a significant leap for humanity, quickly morphs into a nightmarish battle for survival. As the crew seeks to understand the creature—designated as Calvin—it becomes increasingly clear that their discovery could endanger not just their lives, but the future of humanity itself.
The film unfolds with an escalating sense of dread as the seemingly harmless organism rapidly evolves, displaying an intelligence that poses a deadly threat. Each crew member is plunged into existential terror as they grapple with the consequences of their scientific pursuits. As the tensions rise and trust erodes, the film asks a haunting question: what lengths will we go to protect our species from the unknown?
Cast of Characters
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Dr. David Jordan: A medical officer and the emotional core of the film, David is dedicated to his work but grapples with his past and the implications of their discovery.
- Rebecca Ferguson as Dr. Miranda North: The mission’s expert on bioethics, Miranda serves as a moral compass in the face of escalating chaos.
- Ryan Reynolds as Rory Adams: The mission’s engineer with a devil-may-care attitude, Rory provides levity amidst the harrowing circumstances but ultimately faces the most tragic outcomes.
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Sho Murakami: A seasoned astronaut whose experience creates both tension and solidarity within the crew as they confront their worst fears.
- Olga Dihovichnaya as Ekaterina Golovkina: The Russian biologist who brings her own insecurities to the team dynamic while battling the existential threat of Calvin.
- Ariyon Bakare as Dr. Michael "Mike" Glass: A research scientist who plays a pivotal role in the group’s understanding of Calvin, serving as a bridge between hope and horror.
Review
"Life" asserts itself as an intense exploration of the unknown, echoing the classic themes of isolation and the inherent dangers of curiosity found in films such as "Alien" and "Gravity." Visually, the film is stunning, capturing the vastness of space and the claustrophobic confines of the ISS with equal precision. The cinematography, led by Seamus McGarvey, triumphs in portraying the sheer beauty and terror of space travel. The ISS is not merely a setting; it becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the sense of entrapment that envelops the crew as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.
The film cleverly juxtaposes scientific achievement with the profound ethical dilemmas tied to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. From the outset, the crew is excited about Calvin, marveling at its potential for discovery and understanding. Yet as the creature evolves, the film shifts focus from scientific curiosity to a primal struggle for survival. This thematic arc is expertly navigated by the screenplay, which balances scientific intrigue with the visceral tension of horror.
The character development is palpable and thoughtfully executed, particularly through the portrayal of Gyllenhaal’s David and Ferguson’s Miranda. David embodies the conflicted nature of humanity’s pursuit of knowledge, torn between his commitment to discovery and his intrinsic fears about what they are unleashing. Conversely, Miranda serves as the film’s ethical grounding, constantly weighing the consequences of their actions. Their dynamic grows more complex as the film progresses, revealing the human fragility when faced with cosmic terror.
Ryan Reynolds, known for his charismatic presence in lighter roles, surprises with a more sombre, nuanced performance. Rory’s character provides tension relief during the initial exploration of Calvin, yet his arc takes a darker turn that starkly contrasts his earlier levity. The existential stakes of their discovery are amplified through Reynolds’ portrayal, offering audiences a visceral sense of loss when his character is put to the ultimate test.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s Sho is perhaps the most grounded among the crew. His stoicism juxtaposes the rising panic around him, often becoming a voice of reason even in the direst circumstances. Sanada effectively embodies the seasoned astronaut, experienced yet still overwhelmed by the creature’s unpredictability. Similarly, Olga Dihovichnaya’s Ekaterina weaves vulnerability into her character, serving as a mirror to the group’s collective fears. Finally, Ariyon Bakare adds depth to Michael’s character, who oscillates between being a source of rational analysis and a tragic figure confronted with spiralling chaos.
Complementing the stellar performances is a score by Jon Ekstrand that enhances the atmosphere of dread. The sound design is particularly noteworthy, with silence in space punctuated by haunting soundscapes that evoke tension and apprehension. The film does an admirable job of using sound not only to scare but to immerse the audience in the psychological turmoil faced by the crew.
On the downside, "Life" at times falls into predictable horror tropes, particularly in its final act, where its influences from earlier sci-fi horror can be palpably felt. Moments of inspiration give way to some clichés, and while the film benefits from a brisk pace, some viewers may feel shortchanged by a resolution that lacks originality. The climax, while thrilling, can come across as a retread of established conventions in the genre, leaving a slight aftertaste of familiarity.
Another critique lies in the film’s approach to character relationships. While each character is distinctive and well-portrayed, some audience members might long for deeper explorations into their backgrounds and motivations. The emotional stakes could have been elevated further had the film taken additional time to delve into the personal histories that connect each crew member, adding to the weight of their sacrifices.
In terms of visual effects, "Life" is a triumph, delivering a visually arresting depiction of the horror lurking in the depths of space. The creature design of Calvin itself is masterfully executed—a blend of beauty and terror that resonates with the film’s overarching themes of evolution and predation. The tension rises palpably as the crew attempts to contain the rapidly evolving organism, and it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
Conclusion
"Life" is a riveting sci-fi horror film that invites viewers into a world fraught with tension, fear, and poignant existential questions. While it occasionally treads in familiar genre territory, the film’s passionate performances, stunning visuals, and deep underlying themes elevate it beyond the ordinary. The film invites us to ponder the cost of discovery, the fragility of human life, and our place in the cosmos. While the finale may lack some originality, the journey is gripping enough to merit attention and provoke thought long after the credits roll.
Score: 7.5/10
"Life" may not revolutionise the sci-fi genre, but it serves as a compelling reminder of the horrors that can come from our insatiable quest for knowledge. The film illustrates that sometimes, it is the things we do not understand that can pose the greatest threats, making "Life" a chilling yet engaging experience.
