The Netflix Sci-Fi Mystery That Will Blow Your Mind

By Kevin C. Neece | Published

The 2017 Netflix film The Discovery is an intriguing romantic science fiction mystery that explores the possibility of life after death and what the wider consequences might be should evidence of an afterlife be found. Starring Jason Segel, Rooney Mara, and Robert Redford, the film is a British-American co-production from director Charlie Mcdowell, who co-wrote the film with Justin Lader. While reviews for the film have been mixed, we think its fascinating premise makes it well worth viewing.

Will Harbor Discovers Life After Death

afterlife

In The Discovery, Jason Segel plays Will Harbor, a scientist who discovers evidence that seems to prove the existence of an afterlife. With the promise of a better life waiting after this one now presented to them as a seemingly proven fact, many people choose to commit suicide rather than suffer in our present world. Harbor must then decide whether his work is worth continuing in light of the fact that it might inspire more people to take their own lives.

The Romance

Even though the discovery of the film’s title presents people with an easy way out of difficult lives and Harbor is unsettled by the rash of suicides, he chooses to continue exploring his afterlife research. Along the way, he meets a woman named Isla, played by Rooney Mara, and the two begin a romantic relationship. As the story of the film unfolds, it involves the sometimes extreme steps taken to further investigate the existence of life after death and the consequences these actions have for the characters and the world in which they live.

Jason Segel Replaced Nicholas Hoult

The Discovery made its world premiere at the Sundance International Film Festival on January 20, 2017, and had its debut on Netflix on March 31 of that same year. The film had been announced as early as October of 2015 with Rooney Mara’s casting the first to be made public, alongside Nicholas Hoult, who was ultimately replaced by Jason Segel due to scheduling conflicts.

Alex Orlovsky and James D. Stern of Verisimilitude and Endgame Entertainment, respectively, produced the film, which features a musical score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans.

Other Popular Titles From The Production Company

Before The Discovery, Endgame Entertainment was previously responsible for films as diverse as Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, the Andrew Niccol drama Lord of starring Nicolas Cage, the Oscar-nominated Don Cheadle film Hotel Rwanda, and the offbeat Bob Dylan biographical film I’m Not There. Though Verisimilitude has not seen a release since 2015’s The Wolfpack, its films have attracted such stars as Ryan Gosling and John C. Reilly. The company has also been responsible for ad campaigns for AT&T and Seattle’s Best Coffee, as well as music videos for Kid Cudi, Le1f, and Animal Collective.

The Discovery Is Streaming On Netfix

If you’re interested in unique science fiction premises, explorations of the afterlife, or the work of Jason Segel and Rooney Mara, The Discovery is a film you might find to be of interest. Its fascinating themes and philosophical relevance make it an intriguing companion to films like Flatliners. You can stream The Discovery now on Netflix.