One genre that has made more traction over the past few years in the motion picture industry is science fiction. "Sci-fi" has been gaining more and more traction over the years with the evolution of technology. While there have been many tentpole science fiction films that get the love commercially and critically like Star Wars, Gravity and The Martin, there are others that are equally as good but have not received the same attention as those have.
With Denis Villeneuve's Arrival soaring into theaters this weekend, I figured it'd be right to give five sci-fi films from this decade that I personally feel are underrated and deserve a viewing or two. There's no particular order because all five of these films are outstanding and need to be seen!
"Snowpiercer" (2014)
When you look at films "based on comic books", you automatically think of the self-explanatory works from Marvel and DC. But, then we get films like Snowpiercer, where it's more surreal and ambitious than comic book based film I've ever seen. The story follows a group of lower-class people, led by Chris Evans, in a post-apocalyptic world living aboard a train, while the upper-class is having the time of their lives at the front of the big-scaled locomotive. The different tones showcased are brilliant from the dark comedy to the sentimental moments to the brutal violence, but it's the originality that makes this indie, with a big-budget feeling, stand out from other films in the genre.
"Upstream Color" (2013)
From the wacky, yet brilliant mind of writer/director/star Shane Carruth, comes Upstream Color, which is his brainy & off-beat follow-up to 2004's Primer. This follows a couple who fall for each other, but discover their mutual attraction is at least partly to do with a symbiotic link to things I won't get into. This is a film that's meant to be watched without knowing anything and I mean that!
The wonder and bizzare hypnosis showcased in this film is what makes it so advanced in the science fiction genre, taking elements of 2004's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Carruth and Amy Seimetz's characters have elements of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet's characters from Eternal Sunshine, which is a delight since that's another fantastic sci-fi love story. It's also cool to know Carruth did the editing, cinematography and score to Upstream. Wow!
"Attack the Block" (2011)
Before John Boyega was cast as Finn in the Star Wars saga, he was known overseas for being in the terrific British sci-fi film from writer/director Joe Cornish. In his debut role, Boyega plays Moses, a thug who goes from a criminal to unlikely resistance leader when his council block is under attack by aliens. This is a triumph example of low-budgeted sci-fi, with feelings of Edgar Wright and John Carpenter.
The cast is fantastic, as we also see Franz Drameh, who is known for playing Jax on Legends of Tomorrow. The narrative is so well-realized that it adds a strong amount of effectiveness by focusing on the character development more than the visual effects and battle sequences. If you're curious to see works from the new Star Wars cast members, this is one that shouldn't be ignored, especially if you loved Boyega as stormtrooper-turned-hero Finn.
"Under the Skin" (2014)
This, tied with Villeneuve's Enemy, were unlike any thrillers I've ever seen. Enemy is a straight-up thriller, which is why it's not on the list. Under the Skin is the most f—ked up science fiction film ever made, in my opinion. Scarlett Johansson plays an alien luring men to their deaths in this unforgettable and indescribable place. What an original and fresh premise! As phenomenal as Johansson was as her character, the two stars of the film are director Jonathan Glazer and cinematographer Daniel Landin. The well-crafted storyline filled with extremely questionable shots is what makes Skin such an experience to watch. It feels like a documentary too at times, which was something I didn't expect when first watching it. This will, however, require more than one viewing to appreciate it. You may think Johansson is sexy, but she is that, while also being terrifying.
"The World's End" (2013)
I will say that this is the most understandable sci-fi film on the list! From co-writer/director Edgar Wright, comes the final installment of his "Cornetto-trilogy", following 2004's Shaun of the Dead and 2007's Hot Fuzz. We follow a group of friends who return to their hometown to conquer pub crawl, which is ruined as an alien invasion occurs. It's a simple and original premise, but blended so well with science fiction and British humor.
This is a genius of a film, period. Simon Pegg, who co-wrote the film, and Nick Frost kept the magic they had in Shaun and Fuzz to bring it to this conclusion, while adding a great amount of heart to it too. The film never drags and while it may not be my favorite in this "trilogy", it's still a brilliant, well-realized conclusion to a brilliant series that went on for 9 years. Also, a robot fight in a bathroom... come on! How can you resist that?
