Aniara

Aniara is a captivating 2018 Swedish post-apocalyptic science fiction movie directed by Pella Kagerman and Hugo Lilja. The film stars Emelie Garbers, Bianca Cruzeiro, and Arvin Kananian in pivotal roles. It’s adapted from the renowned 1956 Swedish poem of the same name written by Harry Martinson, who was a Nobel laureate in literature.

At the heart of Aniara is a powerful and profound commentary on the human condition, wrapped in the aesthetics of chilling science fiction and psychological drama. Set in the not too distant future where our planet is succumbing to the ravages of climate change and overexploitation, the film offers a glimpse into the declining state of Earth that prompts humanity to look for alternative habitats.

The film introduces us to a vast spaceship named Aniara, essentially a city in itself, prepared to transport thousands of people from a dying Earth to their new home on Mars. While everything seems perfect, the 23-day routine trip turns into an indefinite journey into the abyss of space when the ship is knocked off course and the crew fails to fix it. As the ship drifts through the void with no clear way to return to their course, the passengers and crewmembers grapple with the terrifying reality of their situation.

The story is primarily told from the perspective of a young woman named MR, brilliantly played by Emelie Garbers, who is responsible for maintaining a well-being machine called Mimaroben. This advanced AI device is designed to provide psychological solace to travellers through projecting curated, calming Earth landscapes. The Mimaroben becomes collective comfort, venue of escape, and at times, a source of existential questioning as well, as it mirrors the passengers' emotional vulnerability and loss of hope.

MR’s evolving interactions with the other passengers, including a richly layered character brilliantly portrayed by Bianca Cruzeiro become pivotal in the storytelling. Arvin Kananian plays the commanding officer of the spacecraft, whose steadily crumbling authority reflects a larger metaphor. With no final destination in sight, the characters on board Aniara descend into existential crises, maddening despair, heightened indulgences, and eventual acceptance, revealing an insightful study of human nature and societal breakdown.

Aniara presents a bleak view of our future, using the sci-fi genre to explore deep philosophical questions about the human psyche, desire, grief, the sense of belonging, and the relations and power rules of society under extreme circumstances. Neither a dystopian horror nor an optimistic revelation, Aniara strikes a balance through showcasing raw emotions in an eerie and seemingly hopeless atmosphere. The stark reminder of transience and insignificance in the vast cosmos serves as an undercurrent throughout the film.

Visually, Aniara is stunning. The directors skillfully present a stark contrast between the pristine, clinical interiors of the ship and the menacing, vast expanse of space beyond. The film’s meticulously crafted visual effects help build so much of its suspense and impact, adding a level of visual sophistication rarely seen in contemporary science fiction.

Yet, the true strength of Aniara lies not only in its spectacular visuals but also its extraordinarily complex characters. The slow-paced narrative affords ample time to reveal the inner turmoil, hopes, despair, and inherent complexities of various characters trapped within the ship. It seamlessly merges the space travel format with a profound exploration of psychological trials and tribulations, making for a truly immersive viewing experience.

Aniara has been widely appreciated for its innovative storyline, careful direction, and stellar performances. Its strong environmental message, supported by compelling storytelling and character development, makes it a thoughtful commentary on the human condition. To sum up, Aniara is a remarkable display of Scandinavian cinema that forces viewers to ponder over our existential dilemmas in the grand scheme of the universe. It’s a mesmerizing cinematic journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the viewer's mind long after the credits roll.