The science fiction genre is pretty saturated, but luckily the parameters of the genre are practically limitless. Filmmakers can do almost anything with a sci-fi plot and make it work. Generally, leaning into horror elements seems to be the most effective way to go. Something goes very wrong in a scientific setting, and it becomes horrific. Think films like Alien or The Blob, or Ex Machina. One mid-2000's film takes this concept, makes it something unexpected, and really excels.
Danny Boyle's Sunshine was released in 2007. It's a science-fiction thriller/horror, set in the moderately distant year of 2057. In 2057 the sun is dying which is causing the Earth to freeze up. The film follows a group of eight international astronauts, on a mission to essentially restart the Sun, save everyone, and return home. Of course, it doesn't go as planned. At first, it seems to be just a scientific disaster, with the danger driven by their perilous mission. Slowly it turns into something else-- even venturing into slasher territory.
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The story behind the making of the film is pretty interesting in itself. Looking back with a 2021 perspective, this cast is truly stacked. The main character is played by Cillian Murphy and Chris Evans also plays a very large part in a role that was before his rise to superstardom as Captain America. It also features Rose Byrne, Michelle Yeoh, and Benedict Wong. As an international cast, they all also lived together and studied topics relating to their characters to mimic the setting of being a crew in space together. Overall it feels very Alien inspired, with a lot of 2001: A Space Odyssey vibes as well. The film wasn't a massive box office success, but it was a hit with critics.
Sunshine is the definition of a slow burn movie, but it works entirely in its favor. The plot starts as one thing and turns into something totally different and unexpected. Because of its slow pace, this shift is quite effective and still surprising, without feeling convoluted or dumb. Essentially, what starts as huge technical failings that are having dire effects on the mission, turns into something nearly other-worldly. The change comes as multiple events happen and different information comes to light. It doesn't all happen at once, and there isn't really one huge reveal moment. Things definitely come to a head in an exciting climax, but it isn't like one thing sets off a whole change and there's a sudden flip. It feels natural and, in many ways, realistic.
The ideas here are also very unique, well thought out, and well-executed. Space is not a unique setting. A group of astronauts sent to save the world from apocalypse, is also not unique. What Sunshine does with these basic ideas though does result in something cool and different. It takes a very isolated and realistic approach to this huge overarching plot about saving the world. There's not a ton of exposition in regards to what's going on, especially in the beginning.
The audience doesn't really know exactly what's happening, and they're just watching things as they play out. Things are revealed as they happen. This is such a different approach compared to films like Armageddon, which have a ton of buildup and explanation as well as heavy action moments and a ton of cheese. Sunshine is subtle and quiet, but so tense and high stakes. It's heavy on the drama, but also intense and has its fair share of gore. It's not cheesy at all, and the action is minimal but effective. Most of the intensity is driven by the characters and how they are reacting to this terrible situation.
The production design and the filmmaking and visuals in Sunshine are beyond incredible. Everything the audience sees feels intentional and important, and it's just stunning to look at. The way the Sun looks is amazing and beautiful, and mesmerizing in a way. The ship is visually interesting and very real. This film really succeeds in making space look amazing, without being cheesy. This feels especially great given that the film is a mid-2000's entry, an era infamous for its garbage CGI moments. Putting the plot aside, it's such a visual marvel to look at and take in, and any real film lover will at least appreciate that.
It's hard to talk about Sunshine without talking about its third act and ending. After all of the space drama, end of the world drama, and technical problems... there's suddenly an imposter on the ship who is murdering the main characters. It's a bit of a strange reveal, though it is intriguing and it works a lot of ways. The plot switch and ending are also one of the only areas the film seems to struggle a bit. It's the most action-heavy part of the movie, and it's very tense, but it's also probably the film's weakest moment. This is especially kind of funny to watch with a 2021 perspective, as many aspects of this ending feel similar to the game Among Us.
Sunshine won't be for everyone. It's dialogue-heavy, quiet, and slow. Many will find it boring, and some will find the ending a bit stupid. It is however such an achievement in its genre, and such a unique take that many film lovers will really enjoy. In terms of space movies, Sunshine is a very worthwhile one.
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