Solis

Solis is a science fiction drama film from 2018, directed and written by Carl Strathie and starring Steven Ogg, Alice Lowe, Sid Phoenix, and others. This directorial debut from Strathie dives deep into the genre of science fiction survival thrillers, painting a bleak yet engaging portrait of human endurance in the face of complete isolation and doomed fate.

Set in the outermost limit of human space exploration, the story unfolds in a nearly claustrophobic setting of a damaged escape pod. Played exquisitely by Steven Ogg, the central character, Troy Holloway, is an employee of the colossal Solaris Corporation. As the plot unfolds, we discover that his spacecraft has suffered catastrophic damage due to a terrifying asteroid collision deep in space and he's in the pod as the only survivor.

Holloway soon learns that his course is locked onto the burning, glowing, inhospitable giant star – the Sun. With time ominously ticking away as he spirals towards the Sun and life-sustaining systems failing, he is then connected to a lone voice that offers a glimmer of hope. That voice is Commander Roberts, brought to life beautifully by Alice Lowe. Roberts is the determined and sharp astronaut from a distant space station, who pledges to guide him safely.

A large part of the movie's narrative is built on the radio communication between Holloway and Roberts. Their interaction delves into emotional and personal experiences, fears, hopes, and humanity's undying will to survive. The narrative dives into a psychological depth, employing delicious suspense and dramatic irony, as the two share secrets, fears, and hopes.

Interwoven throughout the survival drama is a critique of the voracity of multinational corporations and their willingness to risk human lives for the sake of profits. Holloway's situation is a consequence of his employers' reckless pursuit of inter-galactic mining. His solitary fight for survival also takes on a wider symbolic significance, representing the existential struggle of an individual against faceless, dehumanizing corporate entities.

Solis features exceptional special effects that enrich the narrative experience. The rendering of outer space and the Sun's grandiosity brilliantly sets up the tone of the story, intensifying the imminent danger and creating a sense of dread. One must also mention the spectacular visual detailing and sound design of the escape pod interiors, which create an immersive viewing experience.

Steven Ogg’s performance is commendable and he shines as someone grappling with phase shifts of despair, panic, resolution, contemplation, and even humor. He brings to screen the humanization of the character perfectly, capturing the essence of a man alone in the vast expanse of the universe. Alice Lowe's compelling voice work as Roberts adds much richness to the narrative and forms the emotional backbone of the story.

A special mention must be given to the film’s intense score, expertly composed by David Stone Hamilton. The score provides impactful pacing to the unfolding drama and punctuates key narrative arcs effectively.

Despite its gripping plot and profound themes, Solis isn’t a regular thrill-a-minute action space thriller. Instead, it’s a more contemplative and introspective film that benefits from a psychologically charged script and precisely calculated pacing.

In conclusion, Solis is a captivating survival drama set in outer space that explores human persistence, our yearning for connection, and our struggle against desolation. Strathie's meticulous direction, combined with extraordinary performances and immersive audio-visual design, ensures that Solis is, at its heart, a compelling human story set against the backdrop of space-bound adversity. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre and those interested in character-driven narratives.