Review of Another Earth (2011) by Igor A — 19 Jan 2013

This is another of those critically acclaimed independent movies I'm rather fond of; but this time I knew very little about it before viewing. Possibly because of this, I found it a tad more enjoyable than I was expecting. What little I did know only served to set my expectations at a level slightly lower than they might have been. And so, by way of a summary; I'll tell you the little I knew before viewing so as not to raise expectations too high.

In some not too distant future another earth is seen approaching our own. At this point an incident binds the lives of two people together. They are Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling), a student, and John Burroughs (William Mapother) a professor (different college). Their lives are drawn together, not only by the fall out from the incident, but also by the possibilities the other earth (or Earth 2 as it's described) offers. And that's about all I can tell you.

I thought the performances from both Brit Marling and William Mapother were truly excellent. The story is quite heart rending at times and they prove very capable of taking the audience through the whole gamut of emotions. On the technical side; it was well made; but obviously on a budget. I did like the way the other earth was always visible from America though; looming larger as time passed. More of a drama that uses science fiction as a device, it's certainly not one for hardcore sci-fi fans, but I must admit I did enjoy it. There were a couple of things in the relationship I wasn't entirely convinced by, but nonetheless a worthy watch.

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED.

My score: 7.9/10.