Oblivion

In the 2013 film Oblivion, director Joseph Kosinski ambitiously explores intriguing themes of memory, identity, and humanity's temporal vulnerability. Set in a dystopian future, the movie starts with Earth left ravaged and destroyed after a war with an alien race known as the Scavs. The humans have won the war, but at the cost of their homeland. Large parts of humanity are now living on a moon of Jupiter, Titan, with the remaining live on the orbiting station Tet, watching over Earth.

Tom Cruise plays the main character, Jack Harper, who is assigned as a mechanic, or a "drone repairman." He is tasked with maintaining the security drones that protect valuable resource-extraction equipment from residual Scav attacks. Harper lives in a lofty Skytower above the clouds with partner Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), who acts as his overseer, handling communications with the daunting monolithic space station Tet, and their poised but status-obsessed supervisor, Sally, projected through a TV-like communication system. The pair harbor a professional yet intimate relationship, a dynamic that effectively hints at deeper layers of their bond and their mission.

Oblivion is not just a story about a dystopian future, but also about memories, with Harper persistently plagued by dreams of a pre-war Earth and a mysterious woman. The dreams conflict with his current reality and bring tension and intrigue into the plot, establishing an inherent mystery.

The acting performances in the film are exemplary. Tom Cruise's impact shines through his multi-faceted portrayal of Jack Harper. He blends a naïve devotion to duty with growing scepticism and causal defiance as the film progresses. Andrea Riseborough, as Victoria, perfectly embodies a certain form of cold professionalism tempered with deep-seated fear and longing. Morgan Freeman, known for his signature gravitas, impacts the story in the role of Beech. Although his screen time may be less, his character plays a crucial role in the storyline's progression.

The secondary cast enhances the narrative, each with pivotal roles in the curve of the storyline. The characters’ predicaments, along with the lingering suspense and increasing tension, keep the audience captivated, urging them to piece together Jack Harper's true story and Earth's reality.

Visually, Oblivion is a spectacle, featuring breathtaking cinematography that encapsulates the desolate beauty of a ravaged Earth. Each frame paints a striking image, from the surreal elevation of the Skytower to the haunting hollow of a devastated New York City. The special effects seamlessly blend with this visual canvas, never appearing too overstated, but rather augmenting the reality of this dystopian world.

Kosinksi's world is enriched by M83's auditory backdrop. The brilliant electro-orchestral score enhances the film’s emotional resonance and maximizes the impact of the visual imagery. The soundtrack subtly cues the audience into the unfolding mystery and the awe-inspiring revelation, contributing to the overall sensory experience.

One of the movie's true strengths is its atmospheric storytelling. The script is finely balanced with action and drama, preventing it from becoming either a dry philosophical meditation or an over-the-top action spectacle. Oblivion manages to maintain suspense and intrigue until the very end while exploring some profound philosophical questions about memories, identity, and humanity's role in the universe.

It's worth noting that the film does not solely rely on shock-twists or conventional sci-fi tropes but ensures its storytelling stays unique and symbolic. The narrative unfurls gradually, taking its time to shape the characters, their motivations, and the world they inhabit before pulling the rug from under.

In summary, Oblivion is a compelling blend of thoughtful sci-fi and engaging drama, underpinned by strong performances, atmospheric storytelling, and stunning visuals. It's a film that invites viewers to question, reflect and explore, while effectively keeping them hooked on the unfolding storyline. Its blend of action, mystery, and deeper themes make it a memorable addition to the science fiction genre.