Cosmoball

Cosmoball is a 2020 sci-fi/fantasy adventure film directed by Dzhanik Fayziev. It features a talented ensemble cast including Viktoriya Agalakova, Georgiy Bestaev, and Khristina Blokhina, who seamlessly meld into their high-concept roles, giving compelling performances that charm the audience.

The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic future where earth resides underneath a giant extraterrestrial ship hovering over a human-inhabited city, now the last sanctuary for humanity after various global-scale disasters. The extraterrestrial station is not only for observing humans but also functions as an intergalactic coliseum, hosting a sport known as Cosmoball. The sport is the crux of the film, and is a high-stakes, high-adrenaline, intergalactic 3D game played between teams from different worlds.

The rules of Cosmoball are simple: two teams of four players each compete in a zero-gravity environment, targeting balls into their opponent's rotating rings while acrobatically dodging counter-attacks. It's a cosmic sporting event that keeps as much intensity as a gladiator battle, with high stakes involved for everyone on earth.

Amid the thrilling Cosmoball games, viewers are introduced to our brooding protagonist Anton (Georgiy Bestaev), a young man with extraordinary abilities. Anton is living incognito among humans, unaware of his true potential. He is eventually spotted by the referee of the Cosmoball games, who recognizes his abilities and recruits him to join Earth’s intergalactic team known as ‘Four Guardians’.

Viktoriya Agalakova plays Natasha, a young woman working in the spaceship and is integral to the plot. Her character’s strength and bravely bring a delightful female badass trope. Khristina Blokhina also shares the spotlight with Agalakova, embodying a character with depth and complexity that gradually unfolds as the film progresses.

Cosmoball isn't just a compelling sci-fi sports movie; it's a film with layered stories. On one hand, it explores the politics, secrets, and tensions surrounding Cosmoball; on the other, it delves into Anton's personal journey of self-discovery and the unraveling of his mysterious past. But running throughout is the film's key message about unity, courage, and resilience of human spirit in the face of threats to existence.

The film graphically dazzles with a stunning display of brilliant special effects and stunning cinematography. From the immersive portrayal of the game itself to the realization of the post-apocalyptic Earth and the spaceship, every visual aspect of the movie visually captivates viewers. The zero-gravity sequences are beautifully executed, capturing the eye-popping movement of the athletes as they bound around the Cosmoball arena, never missing out on the magnetic on-screen sports-actions.

The film’s creators also roll out some spectacular scenes of terrestrial devastation, giving us glimpses of popular locations now under seas or snow. Amid these cataclysmic backdrops, the film manages to balance its visual extravagance with emotional depth, human drama, comedy, and thrilling action.

Director Dzhanik Fayziev constructs a Sci-Fi universe that is innovative, enigmatic, and immersive. With voracious ambitions, he crosses the boundaries of various genres and cliches, blending action, drama, comedy, sports, and high-tech sci-fi in his storytelling palette. Meanwhile, the script, penned by Twister Murchison and Drew Row, is packed with a metaphorical idiosyncrasy that never loses its touch with the emotional undertones of the plot.

The music score, by Serj Tankian, amplifies the tension and the heightened moments of action throughout, instilling a grandeur and a lasting value for the narrative.

In summary, Cosmoball is an epic space adventure with emotive storytelling, compelling characters and big-screen spectacle. It's a film that manages to intrigue and thrill with its blend of action, drama, and sci-fi elements. Its reliance on human relationships and personal growth, amid a world under constant threat, makes it resonate with audiences globally. Whether you're a die-hard sci-fi fan or just someone who appreciates cinematic visual artistry, Cosmoball promises an engaging and worthwhile viewing experience.