Cosmodrama

Cosmodrama is an art-house French science fiction film directed by Philippe Fernandez and released in 2015. The movie boasts a talented cast, featuring the likes of Jackie Berroyer, Bernard Blancan, and Emilia Derou-Bernal, each bringing a unique presence to the screen that complements the otherworldly setting and concept of the film. The story cleverly marries traditional cinematic storytelling with philosophical undertones and existential contemplation, leaning heavily into its genre to create a feature that is equally thought-provoking as it is captivating.

The film unfolds aboard a spacecraft adrift through the celestial unknown. Upon waking from their cryogenic sleep, seven individuals find themselves in this situation, with no memory of who they are or how they ended up on the ship. The protagonists are not only diverse in terms of their age and background, but they also signify different aspects of human knowledge and existence – there is a Soldier, a Biologist, a Technician, a Philosopher, a Clergywoman, a Historian, and a Psychologist. All they have in common is their memory loss and the urgent need to understand their circumstances.

As they start to explore their surroundings, it becomes clear that they're not just stranded in a sophisticated spaceship but that they're beginning to hurtle through time and space, crossing various celestial bodies and star systems, from galaxies to black holes and quasars. As their journey progresses, the ship's computer presents five possible cosmogonic models (theories of the universe's origin and development), intensifying the intoxicating atmosphere of existential inquiry that permeates the movie.

The film is not just about survival in outer space. It's about grappling with the unknown, understanding the truth of existence, and searching for individual and collective identities. The narrative examines the ponderings of its characters as they attempt to make sense of their predicament, enmeshing philosophical debates, scientific theories, moral considerations, and religious implications.

Berroyer, Blancan, and Derou-Bernal deliver compelling performances. There's a charming chemistry amidst the cast that helps to bolster the characters and deepen the mystery. Berroyer, as the older, melancholic philosopher, brings a tangible gravitas to his role. Blancan, known for his work in Days of Glory, adopts the role of the Soldier with grit and depth. Derou-Bernal, as the Troubled Biologist, feels compellingly authentic, her performance underscored with a quiet sense of fragility.

Although Cosmodrama is rooted in the science fiction genre, it's not action-driven or laden with special effects. Instead, the director ensures that the narrative remains intellectual in its exploration, skewing closer to Andrei Tarkovsky's "Solaris" or Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." The special effects used are more sparing and impressionistic, contributing a mesmerising atmosphere to the on-screen proceedings.

Moreover, Cosmodrama is also exceptionally crafted from a cinematic viewpoint. It's shot fabulously, bringing the sterile yet highly technological environment to life in beautiful visuals that succeed in creating a genuine sense of awe and dread. Dappled with a haunting soundtrack, the film successfully stimulates a distinct sense of disquiet and intrigue. The director utilizes silence and sound with precision, knowing when to let the quiet of space speak volumes and when to underscore tension with well-placed music.

In conclusion, Cosmodrama is definitely not your typical sci-fi fare. It's an introspective, existential, and thought-provoking quest into the nature of being and the mysteries of the universe. Its charm lies in its ability to explore complex philosophical ideas, while convincingly portraying a bewildering and uncertain world. The lack of comprehensive explanations about what is going on only adds to the intrigue and keeps viewers engaged as they, like the protagonists, seek answers. The film invites us to ask questions, ruminate on different aspects of existence, and experience the intricacies of human condition in an unfamiliar, yet captivating setting. Cosmodrama is, in essence, a tour-de-force journey across the cosmos as much as a voyage into existential inquiry.