Sicif is entering a golden era. There is more content on offer than ever before and since the turn of this decade, the quality has reached new heights too. Here are the best scifi films since the start of 2010:
Annihilation
Annihilation’s release symbolised just how much has changed in cinema in recent years given that this tile, branded a master-piece by reviewers, was released straight to Netflix. Part of the fear was, allegedly, that the film would be 'too smart’ for cinema goers, which is kind of insulting but actually, given the box office’s obsession with action-filled blockbusters, the slow and eerie pace of Annihilation doesn’t really fit the mould of the big sellers. That said, it’s well worth the watch and if you can stick with it the chances are it will be one of the best films you ever watch for concept. But for several reasons, that is a huge 'if'.
Yet, there is a major case of white-washing that the people of colour who are included in the cast (and who put in brilliant performances) really can’t compensate for. Additionally, it is a bit of a slog at times. It’s brilliant and provoking but it can also feel incredibly heavy. It’ll either be one of your favourite scifi films or one you’ll forget about a few days later.
Arrival
Arrival is a wonderful twist on a science-fiction quandary as old as time: what would we do if aliens arrived on Earth? The focus isn’t really on action but on communication. The film is centred upon linguistics, which is fascinating. Poor communication threatens the life of everyone, but understanding poses its own terrors as humankind enters a new era: one before the arrival and one after.
The film could have been more fast-paced, and the dialogue isn’t the most engaging. It took a very esoteric and dare I say, nerdy, topic but didn’t really make it the most engaging or inclusive for wider audiences. However, the concept is so refreshing it is enough to stick with the film and watch it again for things that might have slipped by on first viewing.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Any work of James Gunn leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and that can’t be overlooked. Guardians of the Galaxy isn’t just problematic for the driving force it had (who has since been dropped from Marvel), but throughout the film there are pointless ableist jokes from Rocket. It’s frustrating and shows Marvel is still trying to learn how to really nail its humour if it’s punching down instead of up.
However, this film is easily the best Marvel offers for entertainment. It can feel a bit too fast-paced at times, and the supposedly slow-burn (in film terms) romantic element is bland but the characters are all engaging in what is a cool exploration in the galaxy. It’s a more idealistic and less political Star Wars which is why it’s a fun watch but not quite as good as the title it is so reminiscent of. Scifi is arguably more rooted in this Marvel film than the others. It’s also a beautiful tale on friendship, and of redemption.
Inception
Inception was really the film that arguably started this incredible era of science-fiction and/or fantasy. The ending has caused almost as many debates as the finale of Lost. It’s an absolute classic with a concept that runs deep into different levels, and deeper into them and then into them, until you’re lost and can’t remember where you started.
Some of the best scifi content is that which engages with how dream and how we perceive. It challenges our very subconscious. There’s a brilliant and very human and emotional central story that brings everything together, but in truth, it’s just such a mind-blowing way of exploring reality that you almost forget about the characters. It’s just so cool to explore, and to question, and to be utterly bewildered by.
The Martian
A brilliant, fun and glorious exploration of life on Mars – literally just one life, that’s trapped there and needs rescuing. This is easily one of Damon’s better performances. The film is funny, light in the right parts and playful. It’s also full of melodrama and very weird scientific solutions (let’s not get into the potatoes). The film looks absolutely stunning too and it’s got the best soundtrack of any film.
The Martian is a beautiful tale of surviving against the odds, celebrating the environment around you even if it sucks as it might just help you out and of always going back for your friends.
Gravity
Quite like The Martian in terms of aesthetics but not as cheerful a story, by any means. This film tackles everyone’s nightmare: being trapped in space. It’s such a thrilling and terrifying ride it took me several attempts to get to the end. There is just something so utterly chilling about the prospect of floating helplessly in space that makes it a really tough film to watch. The quality though is brilliant, and if you can come out from behind your cushion then you’ll be glad to have made it to the end. This film helped change scifi from very rose-tinted, quirky and happy stories into something much more horrifying.
Jurassic World
The film never quite reached the quality of the Jurassic Park but it did help reinvent the series and it made dinosaur films fun again. It was a reinvigorating experience with a great subliminal warning about just how messed up zoos are. Claire is, poorly written but well performed which doesn’t quite make up for the stereotypical positioning of her throughout the film but it does make you root for her regardless of the writing team. Dinosaurs are actually scary again but we also get to see the magnificent T-Rex take on the world and save the day again (this time with help from raptor buddies). It does have the nostalgia factor but it’s a wonderfully fun film to watch in its own right.
The Last Jedi
This was difficult to add to the list if only because all of the modern Star Wars films are worthy. However, The Last Jedi gave the political messages we needed to hear – which was why there was such an angry backlash (not that it remotely stopped its success).
Engaging and challenging, The Last Jedi isn’t just one of the best scifi films but one of the best films ever. The subtext adds huge depth and everything is carefully done to be provocative to the audience. We get answers on Luke, but he also really is the past as Rey, Finn, Poe, Rose and Ben all finally take their stand and show us who they really are. Hell, there’s even great messages about respecting animals.
The Last Jedi had huge heart but also magnificent power. It also finally asked the audience the vital question the franchise has always asked their characters: which side do we choose?