Another Earth (2011)
Mature themes and brief sex scene
| Director: | Mike Cahill |
| Actors: | Brit Marling, William Mapother, Matthew-Lee Erlbach |
Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling), a bright young woman accepted into MIT's astrophysics program, aspires to explore the cosmos. A brilliant composer, John Burroughs (William Mapother), has just reached the pinnacle of his profession and is about to have a second child. On the eve of the discovery of a duplicate earth, tragedy strikes, and the lives of these strangers become irrevocably intertwined.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 92mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
by Simon Miraudo, 7/08/2011 2:02:00 PM
Brit Marling is the indie ‘it’ girl of the moment, which is such a clichéd title, but at least she’s worthy. She co-wrote and stars in Another Earth (the other writer is director Mike Cahill), which supposes that there is, ahem, another Earth out there in the cosmos; an exact replica, down to each human living, or who has lived, on it. How this fantastic astrological miracle happened is never explained – it is only discovered. Marling’s Rhoda has just gotten out of prison for a drink-driving accident that claimed the life of composer John Burroughs ‘(William Mapother) wife and son. Working as a janitor at the local high school, and unable to move on from her past mistakes, she poses as a cleaning woman to get close to John, and potentially apologise. Meanwhile, she dreams of visiting Earth...
Brit Marling is the indie ‘it’ girl of the moment, which is such a clichéd title, but at least she’s worthy. She co-wrote and stars in Another Earth (the other writer is director Mike Cahill), which supposes that there is, ahem, another Earth out there in the cosmos; an exact replica, down to each human living, or who has lived, on it. How this fantastic astrological miracle happened is never explained – it is only discovered. Marling’s Rhoda has just gotten out of prison for a drink-driving accident that claimed the life of composer John Burroughs ‘(William Mapother) wife and son. Working as a janitor at the local high school, and unable to move on from her past mistakes, she poses as a cleaning woman to get close to John, and potentially apologise. Meanwhile, she dreams of visiting Earth 2 to see if there’s a second version of her up there; one who hasn’t made the same terrible decisions.
Not exactly plodding, but Another Earth is very deliberately paced. Still, the sci-fi premise is genuinely intriguing, and Marling’s performance is quite moving. Although it doesn’t reach the heights of its spiritual predecessor Solaris, it’s good enough to at least put Marling on the map.
3.5/5
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Member Reviews (20)
20 Member
Reviews
Mike Brindley
says
A low-budget indie with large scale ideas conveyed through the intimate relationships of complex characters. The story becomes more and more moving as it proceeds, playing on what everyone wants but can't have: a second chance to make things right.
Robert
says
An interesting concept. The end of the movie made me give it another star. Well worth a watch.
Pig McGee
says
strangely reminded me of Melancholia, although not as depressing. Unlike Melancholia I loved this movie - explored the human side of sci-fi
gillian
says
worst movie ever, was not what I expected. BORING
Lissa
says
Not a sci-fi (as I mistakenly thought when I ordered it) but a very interesting film about humans dealing with consequences of their actions. Thought provoking in a gentle way. Well worth watching.
says
Great Movie, definitely worth a watch.
says
great film. i really enjoyed the stripped back 'unhollywood' tone of the film. the idea of choices and the consequnces they leave on us to ponder. fantastic acting by brit marling, i look forward to seeing more of this beautiful actress. let the possibilities of possibilities linger in your mind long after you have seen this wonderful film.
MareePSasja
says
I really enjoyed the pared-down feel of this film. There are no fancy effects, and in fact hardly any actors! Almost the entire film is centred on Brit Marlin's character, who is then joined by William Mapother's character.
As other reviewers have noted, this is a really interesting concept... but unlike other reviewers, I don't believe the concept would have been improved by big bucks and a focus on the Earth 2.
Essentially it's a story about a terrible mistake that affects a young woman's life forever, and the hope for redemption.
Beautifully shot. Excellent performances.
John
says
Great
kimbo
says
On the night of the discovery of a duplicate planet in the solar system, an ambitious young student and an accomplished composer cross paths in a tragic accident. It was slow but but the concept created enough interest for you to keep watching. The last scene had so many questions but none were answered.
Anita
says
My boyfriend bought this dvd and thought it was interesting and told me to watch it. Definitely an interesting concept and does make you wonder a bit. The ending had a me a bit confused though. Nice indie, slow feel to it.
Ol Bo
says
Interesting idea.
Jack Jack
says
Enjoyable, but more of a relational drama than sci-fi.
Stephen
says
Rather slow moving, and not the most satisfying ending. I'm not too sure if this movie should be listed in the sci-fi section.
Hodgo
says
Great idea and concept that had real potential at beginning, but the movie stalled. It got bogged down in cliches and an uneasy match of two people that really didn't work.
Louisa
says
If developed further I think it could've been much more interesting. Though it seems to focus on being a contemplative piece of the individual it noticiably lacked the complexities of other peoples point of view/perspectives as it wasn't a strong one on it's own.
Susan
says
This could have been better. It got 3 stars because of the interesting plot, otherwise it was going to be two. If it was a little less art house, slow and dark it could have been 4 stars.
June
says
Not very interesting and wouldn't recommend. I love scifi and this had barely any in it. The other world is dealt with as a peripheral concept which was disappointing.
stanarosa
says
it was ok. Little to long with not much happening.
joffa
says
interesting, off beat but curious. Overall a good watch, different concept so not the usual'boring formula'. Ends at the start (enough said), makes lots of room for the next installment!!