Attraction

Attraction is a highly compelling Russian science fiction film released in 2017, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Fedor Bondarchuk. The film showcases an exquisite ensemble cast featuring talented actors such as Irina Starshenbaum, Alexander Petrov, and Rinal Mukhametov.

The central narrative of Attraction is set against the backdrop of the Russian capital, Moscow. The plot is driven by a contemporary story rooted in science fiction, romance, and urban drama, making it a unique cinematic experience. It examines the behaviors and attitudes of the denizens of a metropolis when faced with an unprecedented, world-changing event.

The movie begins with an alien spacecraft crash-landing in Chertanovo district, leading to inevitable chaos, confusion, and fear among the residents. The government swiftly quarantines the area and conducts highly secretive operations without providing substantial information to the populace, thus raising skepticism, apprehension, and panic within and outside the sealed perimeter.

Irina Starshenbaum plays the role of Yulia, a young woman who, in a twist of events, ends up in close contact with the extraterrestrial being from the downed spacecraft. Her character is at the epicenter of the film’s narrative, and much of the story revolves around her interactions and subsequent impressions with the alien entity. The portrayal of Yulia evolves throughout the movie, reflecting the change in her understanding of the science fiction aspects of the film from incredulity to acceptance.

Alexander Petrov features as Artyom, Yulia's hot-headed, impulsive boyfriend. His character lends an emotional complexity to the narrative with his strong feelings of mistrust against the alien and the obvious jealousy and intense protectiveness he feels for Yulia. Petrov's portrayal of Artyom adds a layer of human reaction and fear towards the unexplainable and the unknown, keeping the viewers grounded amidst the sci-fi plot.

Rinal Mukhametov plays the role of the alien entity, Hekon. His character serves as the primary catalyst in driving forth the narrative's science fiction angle. The mysterious alien from another world ends up being a mirror of reflection for human nature, character, and our propensity for both, violence and empathy.

The movie focuses on the contrasting human reactions to this unexpected alien contact, ranging from fear and hostility to curiosity and sympathy. Amidst this, the film brews a touching story of an unlikely connection between the alien and Yulia, which slowly transforms into a deeper bond leading to a nuanced, unconventional romance.

Attraction cleverly employs special effects to complete its gripping narrative. The visuals accompanying the portrayal of the alien technology and machinery, the obliteration caused by the crash, and the ominous towering spacecraft all add an authentic and captivating texture to the extraterrestrial presence in the movie.

The film balances hardcore science fiction elements with prevalent emotions of love, jealousy, fear and the battle between prejudices and acceptance. There's also a salient socio-political narrative dealing with mob mentality, xenophobia, and the socio-political consequences of an alien arrival on earth. This carefully stitched patchwork of human drama, set against a backdrop of an implausible chain of events caused by an extraterrestrial arrival, is what sets Attraction apart.

Its visual effects are impressive and competitive by global standards, bringing most of the sci-fi elements vividly to life and greatly enhancing the viewing experience. The cinematography superbly captures the magnitude of the spaceship and the devastation it causes and pairs it with intimate shots of the human drama that unfolds thereafter.

In conclusion, Attraction is a unique film that beautifully meshes a futuristic scenario with human drama. It explores the unlikeliest of relationships and beckons the audience to ask themselves: how would we react in the face of such formidable unknown. Although built on a sci-fi platform, Attraction remains, at its core, a movie about human relationships, providing an engaging juxtaposition of alien unknowable against the very human battles of the heart and mind. Their exceptional performances, coupled with top-notch visual effects and an engaging plot, make Attraction a must-watch for science fiction and drama lovers alike.