Somnus

Somnus from 2017 is a dynamic blend of science fiction, suspense, and elements of a psychological thriller, directed by Chris Reading. The film explores the depths of human aspiration and our relentless pursuit of knowledge and discovery, particularly in the expansive expanse of space.

An independent British feature, Somnus touches upon some deep existential questions, and it all starts with a simple malfunction. The movie stars Rohit Gokani, Victoria Oliver, and Robert Myler, all of whom manage to carry forward intricate roles in this delicately threaded plot woven together with aspects of the human psychology, the unknown territories of space, and mystery.

Rohit Gokani delivers a compelling performance as the central character around whom the plot largely revolves. His character's journey is one filled with compelling, thought-provoking dilemmas, where his choices have far-reaching consequences, forming the meat of the narrative.

Victoria Oliver impressively embellishes the storyline as she delivers a nuanced role set against the breath-taking backdrop of the cosmos. Robert Myler, complementing the main cast, adds more dimension to the film with his performance, and helps keep the narrative grounded in human emotions amidst the hodgepodge of science fiction, mystery, and suspense.

The film commences with the crew of an aging cargo ship, the Estrella, on their monotonous voyage through the cosmos. But this ordinary journey soon takes a sharp turn as they encounter a slight snag - a small technical fault. The ship's systems instruct them to dock at an asteroid-based fueling station known as Station 'Somnus'. However, once they dock, they discover that the station is abandoned, set against the desolate backdrop of space.

The palpable atmosphere of mystery and foreboding, coupled with the crew's attempts to solve the puzzle of the station, form the primary pulse of the narrative. The masterful use of these elements makes Somnus an engaging piece of cinema that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats.

In the course of their exploration, the crew uncovers secrets that are not only related to the destiny of the station but weave human aspects, dreams, myths, prophecies, and elements of their history on Earth. The uncanny sense of being trapped in an abyss full of enigmatic and perplexing revelations adds an element of uncanny horror to the narrative.

The decision-making and survival instincts of the characters of Somnus collectively form a reflection of broader human characteristics, each cast member playing a pivotal role in telling a story that is essentially an expedition of human curiosity, fears, hopes, desires, and the pursuit of truth.

Somnus subtly plays with elements of fear of the unknown, of being stranded in an unchartered territory, and of encountering things beyond human comprehension. The cinematography brilliantly conveys the profound human fear of loneliness and isolation, while also drawing attention to the insignificance of humankind in the cosmic scheme of things. The score also deserves a mention for its hushed, haunting tunes that greatly contribute to the overall ambience of the film, giving the film its eerie, unearthly quality.

Furthermore, the movie effectively explores how human aspiration and our collective future is inextricably linked with our past and mythology. All of it is subtly conveyed through the gripping narrative and fine performance of the cast, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

To conclude, Somnus is a gripping cinematic experience, which, while it might initially seem to be a simple film about space exploration, unveils layers of mystery, suspense, fear, exploration, and futuristic speculation. It masterfully blends a variety of genres, effectively displaying aspects of sci-fi, drama, mystery, and psychological thriller. If you are a fan of nuanced narratives, captivating performances, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography, this movie is certainly one to add to your watch list.