Moon (2009)
Recommended for mature audiences
| Director: | Duncan Jones |
| Actors: | Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Matt Berry, Dominique Mcelligott |
Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the end of his contract with Lunar. He's been a faithful employee for 3 long years. His home has been Selene, a moon base where he has spent his days alone, mining Helium 3. The precious gas holds the key to reversing the Earth's energy crisis. Isolated, determined and steadfast, Sam has followed the rulebook obediently and his time on the moon has been enlightening, but uneventful. The solitude has given him time to reflect on the mistakes of his past and work on his raging temper. He does his job mechanically, and spends most of his available time dreaming of his imminent return to Earth, to his wife, young daughter and an early retirement. But two weeks shy of his departure from Selene, Sam starts seeing things, hearing things and feeling strange. And when a routine extraction goes horribly wrong, he discovers that Lunar have their own plans for replacing him and the new recruit is eerily familiar. Before he can return to Earth, Sam has to confront himself and the discovery that the life he has created, may not be his own. It's more than his contract that is set to expire.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 93mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
If you like this, try these:
Member Reviews (90)
90 Member
Reviews
says
An unusual piece of film making that works quite well. Worth a look for sci fi fans.
says
A very solid, thoughtful piece of disciplined indie sci-fi filmmaking. 2001 without the pretension.
Don't bother with it if you can't take slower pacing. It's not a piece that gives instant gratification, but it's all the better for it.
Phillip
says
Disappointing ,in my opinion ,an unusual storyline and good special effects let down by a very slow pace .
says
It was the most boring movie I have seen in a long time, I could not follow the pathway, to slow, and they would not have to pay many cast members, will not recommend this one = BORING
Markness
says
I liked Moon. Sometimes a film that portrays the natural pace of things works well for me. Moon has some of the feel of 2001 A Space Odyssey, perhaps without the depth and completeness of the world we look into, and certainly without the future interpretation that made 2001 such a landmark cinematic event. The viewer is almost lulled into the "normality" of Sam's (Sam Rockwell) life as the sole operator of a Helium3 mining installation, when the plot turns to issues of self identity, worker exploitation and corporate ethics. There's also the omnipresent robotic assistant voiced by Kevin Spacey: too nice, creepily cheerful and carefully evasive, a strong homage to 2001's HAL. If you like a well done, mild psychological thriller couched in a Sci-Fi context, I recommend Moon. Three and a half stars.
Schmoopies
says
Great concept. Just go with it and grasp the uncertainty. The story unfolds slowly but is really fascinating. Trust the director and enjoy the way the pieces just come together in your mind and in the minds of the character(s). Brilliantly put together and acted. I had no preconceived ideas or expectations of this and just thought it was truly intriguing.
Rocky
says
Bit of a waste of time
krzystoff
says
this is a beautifully shot film, as atmospheric as 2001, but a far more accessible plot, a leisurely pace with a satisfying conclusion, with no neurotic robots (or are there??). more than that, it comes with a clear message about capitalism exploiting workers and abusing power, as well as the risk of becoming completely dependent on technology. whilst some aspects of the story test credibility, the summary is quite believable. definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys scifi / futurefiction / psychological drama.
Byron
says
It's a rare thing to find a film this good from the Hollywood machine. It gets better with age. Moon is one of my all time favorite movies. Sam Rockwell should have won an Oscar for his amazing performance .
Craig H.
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it's original storyline. Beautifully shot and well acted.
Bron
says
This is one odd little movie (futuristic sci-fi) and one that I think would polarise viewers, who would either love it or hate it. The first half of the movie is so slow and uneventful, you wonder where on earth it is going and I found myself asking many questions out loud to my ever-patient husband as I found it quite puzzling. However, it is worth persevering as the second half of the movie suddenly gets a lot more interesting and all the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. The ending is quite suspenseful and the performances of Sam Rockwell (as astronaut Sam Bell) and Robin Chalk (Sam's clone) are quite admirable.
Martin
says
Pls add to WatchNow list...
Henk H
says
Good effects and storyline but way to long and dismal.
Rita K.
says
Intelligent, beautiful to look at and genuinally mysterious... it had me very intrigued throughout. A meditation on how capitalism treats it workers... disposable, dispensable and replaceable... as long as the machine keeps working. Just tell them what they need to know, keep them in the dark, treat them like children while those in power, behind the scenes make desicions that will affect your life. Well that's how it is where I work... what about you?
Lyn
says
An interesting idea. Pace lags in the middle.
moggie65
says
This was a very good sci-fi movie - atmospheric and somewhat reminiscent of that classic "2001 a Space Odyssey".
Russell
says
Understated, quiet sci fi film that is all the more brilliant when compared to most of the overblown, effects driven films coming out of Hollywood studios. Duncan Jones, the director, shows a lot of talent in merging the cinematography, acting and soundtrack together to create a beautiful yet sterile atmosphere that never quite lets you settle. Sam Rockwell is always worth watching but this has to be one(?) of his very best performances. Highly recommended!
Cogs
says
Utterly Speechless!!!
Ray
says
This movie had a unexpected ending. A complete surprise to me. Great movie bit slow at times and the storyline is a bit week, however overall a pretty good movie. Well worth watching.
TAIMUR
says
BRILLIANT! loved it. watch it now!!!!!
David
says
Great story on a tight budget, kept you guessing until the end. Pleasantly surprised by this Scifi outing and well worth a look.
Matthew
says
Boring and lengthy. However, it has an interesting story line and twist to it. Not sure that I would recommend it though.
Cat
says
.
Donna
says
4 stars on behalf of my partner who loved it!
ka-tet
says
Almost more of an art house classic than si-fi thriller. Eerie and beautiful this is a briliant argument of existentialism verses corporate dominance.
Andrew
says
This is the second time I have seen this film and it hasn't lost any of its appeal for me. Sam Rockwell gives a stellar (interstellar?) performance, ranging from obsessed and manic to alone and tragic. It's incredible that this film was done on such a small budget, as it doesn't show. Directed by Zoey Bowie - now known as Duncan Jones, it's an homage to 2001 and other similar sci-fi classics. Feelings of loneliness, the vastness of space and the "helpful" robot are all nods to previous classics. I loved it.
fred
says
O. K. Found it a little slow at times
Colleen
says
I love Sam Rockwell. He never fails. Quiet movie, but great goings on.
TN
says
Sci-Fi at its best in the old style of Arthur C Clarke et al. Very subtle and requires all your attention. I think more could have been made of the ending - easy to miss the implied outcome. Very well acted and great script. If you want action, this is not for you.
Chop Suzee
says
Very clever idea but didn't engage me enough emotionally.
Nigel W
says
Astro miner undergoes identity crisis. Interesting idea that is let down somewhat by having the plot twist revealed early. After that it becomes at bit of a slog. Obviously influenced by films like Solaris and 2001.
Nick
says
Interesting premise - definitely in the arthouse genre. Interesting examination of the morality of what it means to be alive
MelM
says
Do not waste your time
Trish
says
This was a really clever movie, a look at what it means to be human. Fabulous acting by Sam Rockwell.
scotchmick
says
Great performance by Sam Rockwell and Sam Rockwell and eh Sam Rockwell. Interesting plot but it felt like it was missing something though.
Josie
says
Brilliant. This film deals with alot of primal emotions : fear, loneliness, trust being the main ones. As the plot thickenned I was taken in a direction which made an already emotionally disturbing film feel quite raw. Sam does an amazing job with a story that could have descended into melodrama, and the special effects are subtle, yet beyond belief (can't say much without giving the story away !). This is the sort of film you are thinking about for days after watching it, which to me is the mark of a great movie. I think I will be watching this again.
Grant
says
unconvincing improbable storyline
Mickey G
says
This is a good film, but we don't get close enough to the character/s to understand them. Perhaps I should read the book if there is one, as there is areas that need to be explored that this story could give. Not bad but not great.
Lynne H
says
A Very good movie. I am not a sci fi fan at all - and it was an enjoyable and easy to watch throughout. Sam Rockwell was brilliant. The music is haunting and beautiful, I have been listening to it on utube. A word of advice - do not leave the room for a second. You need to watch every detail or you will be confused about the ending and what's going on. I needed a second watch to get it- but worth it.
DataShine
says
Moon is a convincing, thought provoking true Science Fiction movie, with a strong plot, solid acting, drama and tension. Extremely well made but without the usual reliance on mega-buck special effects. This movie will very likely become a Sci-Fi classic.
Jane
says
This is absolutely riveting. Didn't see the surprise twist.
Nicola N
says
Brilliant movie. What quality sci fi should be, where the space opera explosions aren't necessary: designed to make you think about the prospects in the future.
Kevin Spacey does a great job as the voice of the robot: eerily calm under all circumstances. I was just waiting for him to utter "I can't do that, Dave".
Sam Rockwell and Robin Chalk portray the dichotomy wonderfully well, illustrating how much we can change in the space of three years, for both good and bad, and yet quintessentially remain the same person with the same desires, drives and personality quirks.
Jodie-Anne
says
What a terrific movie!! We had no idea what it was about or where it was going to go, but we think this is a very clever movie. The extras after the film are worth watching too. A small cast with a small budget, but certainly not a small story line. Liked it a whole lot!!
peter d d
says
was interesting enough to keep me watching but nothing special.
Nev
says
All round good movie. Shows how being alone for extended periods of time can really harm your mental state. Not the mention make screw up your social abilities. The concept was good although the story was lacking.
BrianM
says
Well made, well acted sci-fi. If only I could have understood it a little more. I lost patience with it but got through to the end. A bit of a waste of time for mine, unfortunately.
Colin R
says
The acting was good but the story is oh so lame. 1 star is all I could manage for this one. Slow, boring, expecting a finale that would be worthy of perservering with the movie but unfortunately the whole thing was just a big let down.
Alex F
says
Starts slow, rocks your world later. Great movie
kimbo
says
Once again Sam Rockwell shows us what a great actor he is. This movie has one of the best twists ever. Brilliant
Jules
says
Pure si-fi loved it
Geoff
says
Well worth watching but I don't want to spoil anything! Nicely paced drama with a sci-fi angle. A must see for any sci-fi fan.
Mimi
says
I was attracted by the premise of this film, but wasn't sure if it would cut it at the beginning. It was a slow starter, but certainly held my interest
jumbuck
says
A bit lame... as of late Kev's a waste of Spacey, he seems to have gone into a long decline... his HAL-like 'character' was dismal.
Sioux
says
Very slow movie but if you can make it to the end it is quite enjoyable. You have to watch this one so don't go and make a cuppa tea in the middle of it or you will miss the relevant parts.
Robin
says
A slow paced film, but quite mesmerising. I was never really sure where it was going, but I was happy to go along for the ride. Sam Rockwell was very good.
Robyn
says
It's a mundane sort of movie with little to no excitement but strangely compelling once you realize what's going on. If you like slow movies that seem to go no-where but have an unusual quality this might just be for you. I gave it a 3 - it was not bad for the lazy mood I was in when I sat down to watch it :)
Elspeth
says
Shades of Dark Star. . . .I liked this movie but it is not 'Hollywood'! It takes a while to build up and work out what is going on and is kind of slow and there are obvious references to 2001 Space Odyssey and Dark Star. If you like those movies I would recommend it.
jim t
says
I fpund "moon" a bit strange at first.Who would spend three years by themselves on a planet with just a robot to talk to and the robot made more sense than him.The guy was talking to himself,but then so do I at times.I found it okay and watchable and it made sense why they only lasted three years,but you had to wait till near the end and it could have had a better ending.
Marg
says
Different but interesting enough to keep me watching - although I must admit I still haven't completely worked it out!!! Okay.
Ross S
says
Well acted, took a while to figure out who was who. Kept you on the edge of your seat with out being too heavy. Makes you worry about the big corporations. Cloning could be a rush if we live that long. All in all not bad.
deion
says
A cinimatic protrayal of a one man, one set play.... well done.... I am thinking this was a drunken brianchild of a friend of a highly connected hollywood producer.... ummmmm?
Lance
says
Interesting (but not new) concept... all the more chilling as an idea because it's already taking shape in our present society... as a movie: slow, sometimes confusing
willow
says
This is a terrific film, reminds me of old style sci fi short stories I read as a kid. If you like Asimov's robot stories or indeed any classic sci fi stories you will definitely like this movie. This is in a completely different league to such rubbish as Will Smith's, I, Robot, has far more in common with such movies as Bladerunner. I hope Duncan Jones makes more films like this.
Anita L.
says
I found this movie really confusing. I would probably have to watch it a few times and concentrate a lot more to appreciate it.
rash
says
clever movie, little slow moving. Castaway goes to space
Talia
says
Striking movie - There is intrigue and suspense plus some twists and turns to keep you guessing. I wouldn't say I loved it, but it kept me on the edge of my seat and watching when I'd normally get distracted. Worth a look.
John
says
Gripping, intriguing and compelling watching. Masterful acting.
James T.
says
I was a bit worried to start with, the way which it borrowed so heavily from 2001.
But this movie stands out on it own and makes for a great sci-fi entertainer.
Liz C.
says
How this was overlooked at award time is a mystery to me. This is an excellent example of movie making. What you can do with imagination, a good script and a great actor. Sam Rockwell is just amazing, shouldering the entire movie and never letting up. An old school sci-fi with lots of heart. Loved it!
Steven
says
Like all the best sci fi this film has more to say about being human than it does about space or lasers. A brilliantly original and moving film.
Julie E.
says
an interesting view of life in the future... not knowing if ur a clone or the original person.. slightly goofy and predictable
Jeremy
says
Really good movie with terrific performances and storyline, worth checking out
Paul
says
Didn't quite know what to expect with this one. Not thriller or action. Very original story line which always scores high with me. The plot unfolds at a good pace and the acting is believable.
Lesley
says
Absolutely nothing like I have watched before, kept me wondering nearly all the way through. Started a bit slow but it comes together. Worth a look. 3 and half stars
Tania C.
says
Not sure why this film got such great reviews?.....I found it slow and boring. 2001 a Space Odyssey was much better.
Sheree M.
says
A surprising mix of what you might expect and what you might not.
On the surface this movie screams 'I'm a tribute to 2001: A Space Odyssey' and in many ways it is. The slow pace, the vaguely disturbing relationship with a computer, the plot which makes you work for it and the quiet cinematic scenes of space are all reminiscent.
However as it pans out, quicker than I expected, it references the concepts of 70s
Vic
says
Intriguing movie, very impressive visually too.
Carol R.
says
bizarre theme, but very watchable,
Colin W.
says
A beautiful tragedy. Very moving. I highly recommend it. The cinematography is very nice.
Matthew B.
says
This is a film I don't think I was in the right frame of mind for. It's not entertaining, as much as it is thrilling and disarming. Sam Rockwell is brilliant. The story requires good concentration. Three years on the moon with Gerty would drive me in sane - that voice is so unemotional! But as I watched this film I found myself becoming more and more moved by the utter desolation of a character who has all he has held on to removed from him.
Sandra
says
The twist in the story was revealed quite early and I didn't think the film went anywhere after that. Disappointing.
Gavin B.
says
Reminded me of the Bruce Dern movie Silent Running from the 1970's. Sam Rockwell was great.
Alan
says
An awkward twist and a confronting storyline. One that leaves you thinking about it for a few days later.
Great set and the moon scape scenes are excellent.
Tim B.
says
Neat little film with an original plot and interesting characters. Well worth your time.
Luisa E.
says
And the point was? This movie definitely wasn't what i expected. Very slow at times. A good twist but that was about it for this one. Rather disappointing.
Rod S.
says
Beautifully shot, atmospheric 'thriller' which takes an unexpected turn quite early on... Made in the UK on a low budget, it really looks like a much more expensive sci-fi epic at times. Sam Rockwell carries the entire film and pulls off some amazing characterisations which required a lot of concentration and effort during filming. Watch this and you'll understand why.
brodie
says
While the synopsis gives away the (obvious) first twist, the film is a compelling account of how the character(s) deal with this. Aside from the initial 'surprise', the remainder is more subtle, allowing us to discover what is happening next with the characters. Sam Rockwell (as Sam Bell, the main character) is exceptional. The computer (voiced by Kevin Spacey) seems an obvious reference to Hal (of 2001) but has Asimov-esque traits. Great range of extras. Recommended for fans of sci-fi and indie thrillers.
Linda
says
An interesting movie. Not what I expected. Even people that don't like space movies would like this one. Keeps you guessing
Arthur S.
says
A bit slow to get started, but then Sam Rockwell shows his stuff, as things get too complicated after 3 years working in isolation on the moon.
Sunet N.
says
Not what I was expected at all after having seen the very promising trailer. I thought it was going to be like SOLARIS and not at all. It was boring, slow. The storyline was heaps weak. Very disappointing, I felt like that flick has lasted 3 hours. Hire SOLARIS! This flick really sucks.