Native

Native is a compelling 2016 independent British sci-fi drama that meticulously weaves a plot that combines interstellar travel, cosmic mythology, and deep-seated themes of love and existence. Directed by Daniel Fitzsimmons and starring Rupert Graves, Ellie Kendrick and Leanne Best, this film takes the audience on an ambitious journey to the farthest reaches of the universe.

The film revolves around the lives of two interstellar astronauts, played by Graves and Kendrick, deployed on a mission to an extrasolar planet, Kepler 186f, which could potentially support human life. As they traverse the infinite expanse of the universe, they communicate with their alienated home: Earth, through a sophisticated AI embed in their ship. Graves has a restrained yet powerful performance as Cane, the reserved and reflective astronaut wrestling with existential questions amidst the emptiness of space. At the same time, Kendrick delivers a complex and multi-layered performance as Eva, a person grappling with her sense of identity against a backdrop of cosmic desolation.

The narrative parallels their isolated journey on their spacecraft with deservedly meditative scenes and serves to manifest a certain chilling beauty of space exploration while subtly querying the meaning of life and love in the fast, boundless universe.

Leanne Best plays a pivotal role back on Earth, as computer expert Dr. Alery. Her character's interactions via communication links allow her to construct a nuanced and moving portrayal of a person living in-between her past and the elusive future that awaits everyone on Earth. Tension and suspense arise from the relationships that develop among these three main characters, creating a three-way drama that unfolds against the backdrop of space’s void.

Director Fitzsimmons, in the clever use of symbolic references, creates a perfect juxtaposition that brings the theme of the film into perspective. The story does not shy away from delving deep into its core scientific concepts, fascinating the viewer while intertwining the mysteries of the cosmos with the individuals' deeply human struggles. It explores profound philosophical ideas about the nature of life, existence and the inherent loneliness that accompanies an expedition to the loneliness of space.

Native’s drama isn’t limited to script and performance. Cinematographer Liam Iandoli does a commendable job in capturing the grandeur of space, stark yet full of surreal beauty. The rendering of the alien planet and the spacecraft are visually impressive despite the independent status and budget of the film. The use of deep, contrast-rich color palette enhances the spatial artscape and works wonderfully in setting the film's tone, all while giving the picture a quality that transcends its genre.

The film's sound design requires a special mention. The stark and often haunting soundscape compliments the visual narrative and injects a palpable sense of fear and isolation. The score by the Berlin-based musician Max Richter stands out. His melancholic yet soothing compositions add another layer of depth to the story and perfectly reflect the myriad of emotions that the characters experience.

While Native has a lot that makes it uniquely memorable, certain scenes might require the viewer's patience due to the rhythmic pace. Even so, these moments only serve to enhance the film's overall artistic virtue and emotional depth.

The movie sits comfortably in the realm of cerebral, artistic sci-fi rather than bombastic, alien-battling epics. It is a commendable entry in the genre that seems to be paving its own path, and should attract enthusiasts interested in the philosophically oriented narrative. The plot garners strength from the characters' palpable sense of fear, love, hope, and despair. Hence, it should also appeal to audiences who appreciate character-driven stories.

Film lovers looking for a thoughtful exploration of the human psyche set against the backdrop of deep space might find Native to be a profound experience. Those willing to dive into its philosophical leanings will be rewarded with a movie that stays with them long after the end credits roll. Native is a well-executed sci-fi drama with deep undertones, well worth a watch for those longing for substance over special effects.