Review of Europa Report (2013) by Kenneth M — 31 Dec 2013

Surprisingly emotional sci-fi film.

The storyline is standard sci-fi fare--not so original as to be notable, but not copy-catty enough to run down a checklist of influences. If it was a movie just about the story, we wouldn't have to care about what Europa Report offers.

For me, the success of Europa Report stands mostly with how the characters are portrayed. Their strengths and weaknesses are on display. Something about them really showcases their humanity better than most films like this.

While a lot of it has a found-footage feeling to it, there's some truly gorgeous cinematography going on. And not just on Europa, but inside the ship as well. (That said, the most stunning moments DO take place on the filmmaker's envisioning of the Europa environment.).