Whenever a movie of any kind, be it animated, action, horror, becomes popular, everyone attempts to imitate it, regardless of the amount of thought went into the effort. But having a derivative idea can be excused if the movie itself is good.
“Life” is clearly inspired by films like “Alien” and “Gravity,” and its premise is simple but well done. Written by “Zombieland” and “Deadpool" screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, “Life” is not a comedy. It is a very serious sci-fi horror flick that has all its element working together very well.
The characters never feel like they are simply there to be bodies to die. Each actor shines in their role, with major props going to Hiroyuki Sanada as Sho and Rebecca Ferguson as Miranda.
Backstories for the characters never feel forced, with most of their lives and motivations coming out not through exposition filled monologues, but through simple conversations with each other.
While not stellar, the musical score by Jon Ekstrand deserves praise, as it manages to effectively put music to some horrific happenings. The visual effects are also good, but the real praise goes to the creature design on the alien Calvin. Without giving away any spoilers, this is an intricately designed monster that you will not soon forget.
While the writing is constantly above average, and it does deserve praise for rarely having its characters devolve to stupid horror film decision making, the entire film can’t help but feel like something that has been done before.
Sci-fi horror stories where a monstrous creature slowly hunts down the characters is not a new idea, but “Life” takes those well-worn elements and wears them well. The film is always engaging, and, while not original, it isn’t predictable either.
“Life” is the cardinal example of execution over originality. Despite having what some would call an overused premise, the writing and performances manage to make the movie always interesting. Calvin is a greatly designed villain and the last 15 minutes feel genuinely surprising.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and while it won’t win any awards for originality, “Life” is a solid and smartly written horror flick, with a consistently terrifying tone and engaging atmosphere. At the very least, it’s better than “Prometheus.”
3.5/5
Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures, Skydance Media, and Sony Pictures Releasing.