Prospect – Film Review

In an era of big-budget, CGI-laden space operas, independent science fiction films have had to carve their own niche, often focusing on atmosphere, world-building, and intimate storytelling rather than large-scale spectacle. Prospect (2018), directed by Chris Caldwell and Zeek Earl, embraces this approach wholeheartedly, delivering a slow-burning space western that values immersive details and character interactions over action-heavy thrills. With strong performances from Sophie Thatcher and Pedro Pascal, Prospect succeeds in crafting a lived-in sci-fi world, even if its deliberate pacing and minimalist plot may not be to everyone’s taste.

Set in a distant future where interstellar prospecting is a dangerous but lucrative endeavor, the film follows teenage protagonist Cee (Sophie Thatcher) and her father Damon (Jay Duplass) as they land on a remote forested moon in search of valuable organic gems called “Aurelacs.” This rare resource must be carefully extracted from the ground, a delicate and time-sensitive process that requires expertise and precision. However, their mission quickly takes a turn for the worse when they cross paths with two rival prospectors, Ezra (Pedro Pascal) and his companion. In the ensuing conflict, Cee finds herself forced to team up with Ezra, forming an uneasy alliance as they attempt to escape the treacherous environment and other hostile inhabitants.

One of Prospect’s strongest aspects is its world-building. Rather than relying on elaborate CGI or massive sets, the film uses a tactile, lo-fi approach reminiscent of classic sci-fi like Alien (1979) or Silent Running (1972). The production design leans into a gritty, industrial aesthetic, with spacecraft and equipment that appear weathered and utilitarian rather than sleek or futuristic. The moon itself is brought to life through location shooting in the Pacific Northwest, with the dense forests lending an eerie, otherworldly quality to the setting.

Attention to detail extends to the film’s costuming and props. The characters’ space suits feel functional and cobbled together, emphasizing the scrappy, blue-collar nature of their work. Helmets fog up, air filters clog, and oxygen levels must be constantly monitored, reinforcing the sense that survival in this environment is a tenuous prospect. The film’s commitment to a grounded, believable world elevates it above many indie sci-fi films that often feel constrained by their budgets.

The film’s small cast is one of its main strengths, with Sophie Thatcher delivering a breakout performance as Cee. Unlike many young protagonists in sci-fi, Cee is neither overly precocious nor conveniently skilled beyond her years. Instead, she is a capable but vulnerable teenager, shaped by the hardships of prospecting and her complicated relationship with her father. Thatcher conveys a quiet determination, making Cee a compelling lead without relying on exaggerated emotions or melodrama.

Pedro Pascal’s Ezra is equally intriguing. A morally ambiguous rogue with a silver tongue, he could have easily been a stock character, but Pascal imbues him with a mix of charm, desperation, and underlying menace. His interactions with Cee form the heart of the film, as their reluctant partnership evolves from one of necessity to mutual respect. Jay Duplass, in a smaller but significant role, effectively portrays Damon as a flawed, pragmatic father who is more focused on profit than parenting. His presence looms over the story even after he exits the narrative, shaping Cee’s journey.

Prospect is deliberately paced, which may be a point of contention for some viewers. The film unfolds slowly, emphasizing mood and tension over traditional action beats. While there are moments of violence and danger, they are handled with restraint, often serving to reinforce the film’s theme of survival rather than providing adrenaline-fueled excitement.

The screenplay, also written by Caldwell and Earl, opts for naturalistic dialogue that avoids excessive exposition. The world’s backstory, including references to corporations, off-world colonies, and distant conflicts, is revealed through snippets of conversation rather than heavy-handed narration. This approach makes the universe feel vast and lived-in, though it also leaves many questions unanswered. Some viewers may find this ambiguity engaging, while others might feel frustrated by the lack of clear explanations.

One potential drawback of the film’s measured storytelling is that it sometimes risks feeling too subdued. While the relationship between Cee and Ezra is engaging, the overall narrative is relatively simple and doesn’t always generate the level of tension one might expect from a survival story. Additionally, the secondary antagonists, a group of mercenary-like scavengers, are not as well-developed as the central duo, making their threat feel somewhat underwhelming.

At its core, Prospect is a film about survival, trust, and coming of age. Cee’s journey is one of self-reliance, as she transitions from being under her father’s control to forging her own path. The uneasy alliance between her and Ezra highlights themes of moral ambiguity, as both characters must navigate a world where personal gain often trumps loyalty or ethics.

The film also touches on the dangers of exploitation, particularly in the context of resource extraction. The prospectors’ desperate search for Aurelacs echoes real-world histories of gold rushes and colonial exploitation, where the promise of wealth leads individuals to take immense risks in hostile environments. However, the film does not dwell too heavily on these ideas, allowing them to exist as subtext rather than overt commentary.

The film’s sound design is another highlight. Dialogue is often muffled through helmets, emphasizing the isolation and difficulty of communication in space. The use of ambient noise—rustling trees, mechanical hisses, and the constant beeping of life-support monitors—adds to the sense of immersion. The score, composed by Daniel L.K. Caldwell, is subtle yet effective, using ethereal tones and electronic pulses to enhance the film’s atmospheric tension without overwhelming the visuals.

Prospect is a commendable example of indie sci-fi done right. Its immersive world-building, strong performances, and atmospheric direction make it a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn, character-driven science fiction. However, its deliberately slow pacing and minimalist storytelling may not appeal to viewers looking for a more action-oriented experience. The film’s strengths lie in its attention to detail and the dynamic between its two leads, but its lack of a more robust narrative drive keeps it from reaching the heights of the genre’s best entries.

Prospect is worth watching for those who appreciate understated sci-fi that prioritizes mood and character over spectacle. While it may not be a game-changer, it proves that compelling storytelling can thrive even within the constraints of a modest budget.