Life – Film Review

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are on the cutting edge of one of the most important discoveries in human history: the first evidence of extraterrestrial life on Mars. As members of the crew conduct their research, the rapidly evolving life-form proves far more intelligent and terrifying than anyone could have imagined.

Life is a science fiction thriller that takes place aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and revolves around a group of astronauts who discover the first extraterrestrial life form from Mars. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast and stunning visual effects, but ultimately suffers from a lack of originality and a predictable narrative. Despite its promising premise and intense moments, Life struggles to break free from the shadow of its genre predecessors.

The film sets an engaging stage by depicting a near-future scenario where scientists discover a dormant single-celled organism on Mars. The organism, named “Calvin,” is brought to the ISS for study and becomes the center of attention for a diverse team of astronauts. At first, “Calvin” seems harmless, leading to moments of wonder and intrigue. However, as the creature evolves and grows, its true predatory nature is revealed, resulting in a life-and-death struggle for the crew and the potential threat to Earth itself.

One of the film’s notable strengths lies in its portrayal of the multi-national ISS crew, each played by a talented actor. Ryan Reynolds is charismatic as Rory Adams, the witty and adventurous engineer, while Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a solid performance as the introspective and resourceful medical officer, Dr. David Jordan. The ensemble cast, including Rebecca Ferguson as the cautious quarantine officer, Miranda North, and Hiroyuki Sanada as the empathetic systems engineer, Sho Kendo, works well together to create a sense of camaraderie and tension within the confined space of the ISS.

However, the screenplay struggles to provide sufficient depth and backstory for these characters, leaving them feeling somewhat two-dimensional and predictable. As the film progresses, their reactions to the escalating crisis become increasingly formulaic, resulting in a lack of emotional investment from the audience.

Life manages to build tension effectively, particularly during the initial stages of Calvin’s discovery. The confined and claustrophobic setting of the ISS enhances the suspense, as the crew members grapple with the implications of their groundbreaking discovery. The sense of isolation and vulnerability that comes with space exploration is well-captured, and the film’s atmospheric cinematography contributes to an authentic portrayal of life aboard the station.

However, as the plot unfolds, the narrative becomes increasingly predictable, with the film following the familiar beats of previous space thrillers. The movie fails to maintain the intensity throughout its runtime, resulting in a few pacing issues. At times, the suspense is undermined by characters making questionable decisions, seemingly just to move the plot forward.

From a technical standpoint, Life impresses with its top-notch visual effects. The space sequences are visually stunning and provide a realistic depiction of life in microgravity. The design of the alien organism, Calvin, is visually striking, effectively capturing both the sense of wonder and dread surrounding its existence. The film’s production design and attention to detail in recreating the ISS are commendable, adding to the film’s sense of authenticity.

However, the visuals alone cannot save the film from its lackluster storytelling. The reliance on jump scares and typical horror movie tropes diminishes the originality of the film’s premise, leaving the audience with a sense of missed potential.

Despite its flaws, Life may still appeal to fans of space thrillers looking for a visually impressive and adequately entertaining experience. However, for those seeking a truly innovative and thought-provoking sci-fi tale, Life might not fulfill their expectations. Overall, Life stands as an enjoyable but forgettable addition to the vast expanse of space-themed cinema.