Genesis II

Genesis II, released in 1973, is a captivating movie that immerses its audience in a post-apocalyptic world, harmoniously blending elements of science fiction and drama. Helmed by the noteworthy Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, the film is a testament to his creative genius and his ability to portray futuristic narratives adeptly.

The movie stars the dynamic trio of Alex Cord, Mariette Hartley, and Ted Cassidy, whose performances serve to elevate the film's unique premise. Alex Cord, with his remarkable intensity and commitment, plays the role of Dylan Hunt, a NASA scientist. In contrast, Mariette Hartley brings charisma and charm in her portrayal of Lyra-a, while Ted Cassidy, in his signature deep voice and towering frame, adds a unique dimension to the character of Isiah.

The central plot revolves around Dylan Hunt, a 20th-century NASA scientist deeply engrossed in his endeavor to create a hibernation system designed for astronauts during long space journeys. While testing the hibernation device inside a laboratory on Earth located in Carlsbad Caverns, an earthquake strikes, burying the lab under layers of rubble. Effectively trapped in suspended animation in his hibernation chamber, Dylan is untouched by the effects of time, surviving into the 22nd century.

The world that Dylan wakes up to is a far cry from the one he left behind. This post-apocalyptic Earth is populated by mutant and normal communities struggling for power and survival, over the remnants of the civilization. An impressive work of production design, the film paints a vivid and detailed picture of this future Earth, replete with sprawling underground cities and high-speed subterranean transport systems.

The film traces Dylan's journey as he navigates his way through the hostilities and political complexities of this strange new world. He soon encounters PAX, a peacekeeping group made up of scientists and scholars resembling pre-war normal humans. This fellowship seeks to reconstruct society and rebuild civilization without repeating the mistakes of the past.

Mariette Hartley plays Lyra-a, an ambivalent figure from Tyrania, a community of genetically mutated humans. Hartley's portrayal of Lyra-a - a woman with two hearts and a complex moral compass - adds an intriguing element to the plot. Dylan Hunt's interactions with Lyra-a explores themes of trust, deception, and the potential for good and evil in every individual.

Challenging him along the way is Ted Cassidy's imposing figure, Isiah, whose character’s motivations are shrouded in mystery. The clashing ideologies represented by these characters set the stage for a gripping narrative embedded with thrilling confrontations and ideological disparities.

Genesis II is more than just another entry in the science fiction genre; it's an exploration of human nature, its resilience, and susceptibility to corruption. The narrative threads of the film expertly handle the essence of future societal structures, human morals, and the power dynamics fostered by post-apocalyptic scenarios. By dealing with the question of how to rebuild the world post-apocalypse, the film goes beyond the typical dystopian narrative and provides a thought-provoking perspective.

The cinematography deserves special mention, contributing significantly to the film’s overall visual palette. From depicting sprawling landscapes of the post-apocalyptic world to the complex underground cities, the movie provides a visually enticing experience for its audience. Coupled with engaging dialogues and gripping performances, Genesis II stands as an impressive combination of thought-provoking storytelling and stunning imagery.

Genesis II, ultimately, is an important entry in 1970s speculative fiction. It uses the trappings of science fiction - far-future settings, post-apocalyptic landscapes, genetic mutation - to push viewers to contemplate profound philosophical questions. It's an earnest exploration of what humanity could become after facing the very worst. While Genesis II didn’t spawn the TV series it intended to, it remains a compelling watch, celebrating the timeless themes of survival, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. It may very well appeal to lovers of science fiction and drama, providing a narrative that echoes Roddenbery’s other works while standing tall in its own right.