Filmology Rating: 2.75 out of 4

Astronauts (Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds) aboard the International Space Station are on the verge 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.

So you might be thinking reading that brief introduction of the movie “Life” sounds a lot like “Alien”, the 1979 sci-fi/horror movie classic. If that is the case, you would be right. If this film has one big overarching flaw is that it does borrow a lot from this classic film. However, it does stay different enough to not be a copy and paste or a remake. With a star studded cast, good writing, and wonderfully tense moments, “Life” was an enjoyable ride.

What I liked about this film the most was seeing the alien, later named Calvin, grow. The gradual development only added to the intensity of the situation. As this alien was growing, it only became stronger and smarter. I really loved this aspect and this was something really unique. Starting from the size of a cell and growing into…. well I’d rather not tell you what it becomes or what it does. Just know that it was great.

I really love movies that have a confined sense about them and there is just something about being in space that makes it better. I mean, where is there to go? You can’t exactly run away which means you have to either fight it or outsmart it. There were times where the people were very smart but then there was this once scene where they break this and it was a little frustrating. I think you will know it when you see it.

“Life” really nailed the sci-fi/horror aspect but then struggled when it came to the deeper questions and themes it was trying to pull off. The tension was there but the philosophical aspect wasn’t quite at the level they were trying to pull off. However, it didn’t really take away from the film, it just seemed like a slight missed opportunity.

If you are a fan of the movie “Alien” and other such sci-fi horror films, then “Life” is the movie for you. While it won’t measure up quite to that level, it still made for a good time. Just know that the ending is wonderful.... One that I will be thinking about for a long time.

Rating: See It

-Nick