Genre: Science Fiction Drama
Directors: Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jay Duplass, Pedro Pascal
Running Time: 100 minutes
Synopsis: Space miner Damon (Jay Duplass) and his daughter Cee (Sophie Thatcher) land on a distant dust-filled planet to rendevouz with mercenaries. Damon is an expert at extracting a dangerous mineral from the planet's surface, but before he and Cee can get to their destination, they tangle with space adventurer Ezra (Pedro Pascal) and his silent partner. Violence ensues, forcing Cee to flee and reexamine who she can trust.
What Works Well: In this independent and low-budget drama, the writing and directing team of Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell imagine a future regressing to clunky technology, makeshift spare parts, and questionable medical interventions. The cinematography (filmed in the forests of Washington State) makes impressive use of a dense tree setting, and Sophie Thatcher is adequately monotonal as the young woman tapping reservoirs of inner strength to deal with adversity.
What Does Not Work As Well: This is a grim, jargon-heavy, and character-light exercise in small world building. The key protagonists exist only at the sketch level, and the villains are free of any context. Most of the third act takes place in darkness, the action scenes are muddled, and the plot is devoid of new ideas beyond the most basic survival, human nature, and trust themes.
Key Quote:
Ezra (to Cee): Listen... I know well the lure of vengeance. I, myself, have... frequently indulged and I have not often found regret.

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