Netflix Dark Sci-Fi Thriller Is A Heart-Stopping Survival Story In Space
Thanks to franchises like Star Wars, there is plenty of sci-fi out there, but most modern films are just lighthearted adventures. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but sometimes, we’re in the mood for thrillers that offer a stark reminder of just how scary outer space can really be. If that sounds a bit like you, here’s some good news: Stowaway is now streaming on Netflix, and this impossibly dark sci-fi thriller will have you biting your nails from beginning to end.
Stowaway On Netflix
Stowaway focuses on a team taking to space for an ambitious two-year mission to Mars, but that mission goes sideways once they discover an unconscious engineer who accidentally stowed away aboard the ship.
When the device providing oxygen for the ship isn’t going to cut it, this straightforward trip to Mars becomes a fight for survival as everyone aboard is in danger of suffocating long before they reach their destination.
A Small Cast
The nature of the film means that Stowaway has a very small cast, but each one brings something special to the table. Anna Kendrick, for example, plays the ship’s doctor, and her performance is a real revelation for anyone only familiar with her more comedic work.
In short, if you mostly know Kendrick from movies like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and the Pitch Perfect franchise, you will likely be very impressed with the dramatic chops she brings to this sci-fi thriller.
A Talented Group
The rest of the small Stowaway cast is just as impressive: Toni Colette, best known to horror fans for her standout performance in Hereditary, plays the ship’s mission commander.
Daniel Dae Kim (best known for his performance in the hit TV show Lost) plays the biologist on this mission. And Shamier Anderson (best known to genre fans for his performance in Wynonna Earp) plays the engineer who accidentally stows aboard the ship.
Doing A Lot With A Little
It may sound like a backhanded compliment, but we were really impressed with how much Stowaway managed to do with very limited resources.
It had only four actors and a budget of only $10 million, but this beautifully shot movie can still go toe to toe with the best of modern sci-fi.
Much of the credit for that goes to Joe Penna, who managed to parlay a hit YouTube channel into a robust career in Hollywood.
Moral Dilemma In Space
In case you’re wondering, it’s not just us gushing about this film: Stowaway currently has a 76 percent critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics noted that while the pacing is a bit slow at first, the film features great performances and a very thoughtful story.
Plus, in centering that story around a difficult moral dilemma, Stowaway takes its place among the very best science fiction, including genre staples like Star Trek (a franchise that is no stranger to moral dilemmas).
Streaming Stowaway
Fortunately, those who are curious about Stowaway won’t have to infiltrate a mission to Mars to experience it. All you have to do is stream this ambitious sci-fi tale on Netflix today. When it’s over, you might just be grateful for every breath you take after streaming this oxygen-starved thriller.
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