Crater – Film Review

Caleb Channing is about to be relocated to an idyllic faraway planet following his father’s death. To fulfill his dad’s last wish before leaving, he and his three best friends hijack a rover to explore a mysterious crater.

Even though Kyle Patrick Alvarez‘s Crater isn’t anywhere close to being one of my favorite movies of the year thus far, I must admit that it is quite unlike any space movie I’ve ever seen before in that it focuses on a bunch of teenagers and their journey in space and showcases their personal lives and the challenges they must endure on a daily basis given the interesting circumstances.

As a devoted fan of Mckenna Grace since her standout performance in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, I was eager to witness her talent shine once again in Crater. This science fiction drama, with its ambitious premise and potential for emotional depth, seemed like the perfect platform for Grace’s undeniable acting skills. Coupled with the promise of stellar cinematography by Jas Shelton, my expectations were set high. However, despite a strong lead performance and stunning visuals, Crater fails to deliver on its full potential, marred by uneven pacing, weak character development, and a predictable storyline.

Grace’s portrayal of Addison Weaver, a young girl living in a lunar colony, proves that she is a force to be reckoned with in the acting world. With a delicate balance of innocence and determination, Grace captures the essence of Addison, who dreams of exploring the untouched lunar surface. Her nuanced performance showcases her talent for emoting vulnerability and strength, making her a captivating presence on screen. Grace’s undeniable chemistry with her co-stars elevates the film, providing some of the most genuine and heartfelt moments.

One of the standout aspects of Crater is its visually stunning cinematography. Shelton’s expertise behind the camera shines through in every frame, capturing the lunar landscape with breathtaking beauty. The vastness of the moon’s surface is brought to life through mesmerizing wide shots, effectively immersing the audience in the setting. The use of lighting adds an ethereal quality that enhances the otherworldly experience. The visual allure of Crater is undoubtedly one of its strongest aspects.

However, despite its strong lead performance and impressive visuals, Crater falls short due to its uneven pacing. The film struggles to find a consistent rhythm, resulting in moments of slow exposition followed by rushed plot developments. This erratic pacing creates a disjointed viewing experience, making it difficult to fully engage with the story and its characters. It’s disappointing to see such potential undermined by the film’s inability to maintain a cohesive narrative flow.

Another significant flaw lies in the weak character development throughout Crater. While Addison Weaver is a compelling and fully realized character, many of the supporting roles feel underdeveloped and lacking depth. The interactions between Addison and her fellow colonists feel superficial and fail to establish meaningful connections, leaving the audience disconnected from their struggles and motivations. As a result, the emotional stakes of the film are diminished, leaving little impact on the viewer.

Moreover, the storyline of Crater, while initially intriguing, ultimately succumbs to predictability. The film follows a formulaic trajectory, with plot twists that can be anticipated from miles away. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the film plays it safe, relying on well-worn tropes rather than taking risks and exploring the depths of its unique premise. This predictability dampens the impact of the narrative, leaving the viewer yearning for more complexity and originality.

In conclusion, Crater showcases a strong lead performance by Mckenna Grace and stunning cinematography by Jas Shelton. Grace’s portrayal of Addison Weaver is captivating, and Shelton’s visuals beautifully capture the lunar landscape. However, the film suffers from uneven pacing, weak character development, and a predictable storyline. These flaws hinder the overall impact of the movie, preventing it from reaching the heights of its ambitious concept. Despite its potential, Crater fails to fully engage the viewer, leaving a sense of missed opportunities.