Out of this world: Moon

Gerty, is there someone else in the room? 

- Sam Bell

I will admit that when I first heard the premise of Duncan Jones' Moon, I was less than overwhelmed. One guy in a space (moon) station with only a deep-voiced robot to keep him company. You see, there's this film 2001: A Space Odyssey, and even if you haven't seen it you know that Hal can't let Dave do that. The raucous praise given it was enough, however, to get me past my trepidations and see this film. I was not disappointed. 

Quite honestly, 2001 presents such intriguing ideas to the realm of science fiction that I wouldn't have minded another film following in it's footsteps, however, this film shares little with the classic beyond the space equipment designs (and what sci-fi film doesn't have reflections of 2001?).  2001 explored the relationship of advanced technology with humanity, which this film barely brushes on. Instead, this film explores new and intriguing territory that I cannot reveal without revealing major spoilers. Let's just say that this film lives up to its hard sci-fi space travel counterparts, not just 2001, but also the more recent Sunshine.

We learn that Sam Bell has been living on the moon for nearly three years; in two weeks his contract with Lunar Industries is up and he can return to Earth. Not is all as it seems, however. Sam begins having hallucinations of other people in the moon base and injuring himself. Will he make it home? I can't reveal more for fear of spoiling some of the film's wonderful surprises. Nonetheless, this film has an engaging, original plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

This film looks like it cost ten if not twenty times more than its budget. At five million dollars, Moon makes us feel like we are on the moon nearly as effectively as James Cameron's Avatar makes us feel we are on Pandora. Sam Rockwell really does double duty on this film, and it is a testament to his skill as an actor that Moon holds together so well. 

Watch this movie. As all good films do, it inspires you to think about humanity, and, in the end touches you emotionally in an unforgettable way.


Official YAMB rating: Like


J. Bernard Muyskens