Life

In space no one can hear you scream...

Mysteries of the organism: Ryan Reynolds and Jake Gyllenhaal

A team of astronauts discovers life on Mars. At least, they detect a unicellular lifeform taken from a sample of Martian soil. Aboard the International Space Station, the six-member crew has successfully intercepted a space probe and have isolated the organism in a petri dish. And what they find is unlike anything human science has encountered before. Furthermore, it appears to be regenerating itself. Quickly developing into a multicellular organism, the microscopic Martian is already exhibiting signs of curiosity, above and beyond any hint of trepidation. And it’s growing extremely fast indeed…

This is the third mainstream American film in eighteen years to be called Life, which may indicate a certain lack of originality. It also bears a startling resemblance to another sci-fi horror film with a one-word title. It’s unfortunate, too, that an English actor (Ariyon Bakare) turns out to be the vessel for the lifeform’s dramatic entrance. However, if one is willing to overlook these similarities, Life has enough generic bite to keep one’s toes curled in nervous apprehension. And with actors of the calibre of Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds and Rebecca Ferguson in the mix, the human element is well represented. If some of the action is a little confusing, the basic thrust of the horror is pretty damn clear. Life certainly delivers the goods.

JAMES CAMERON-WILSON

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ariyon Bakare, Olga Dihovichnaya.

Dir Daniel Espinosa, Pro David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn, Screenplay Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, Ph Seamus McGarvey, Pro Des Nigel Phelps, Ed Frances Parker and Mary Jo Markey, Music Jon Ekstrand, Costumes Jenny Beavan.

Skydance Media-Sony Pictures.
103 mins. USA. 2017. Rel: 24 March 2017. Cert. 15.