The Four Sci-Fi Thrillers To Stream On Netflix
When it comes to sci-fi thrillers, Netflix has some of the best options around. And there are even movies on the streamer that went under the radar the first time around. Let’s take a look at four flicks which are definitely worth the watch if you love these types of flicks.
Replicas
Keanu Reeves is recognized today for his powerful performances in blockbusters like the John Wick series and his role in the video game, Cyberpunk 2077. However, amidst his high-profile projects, one film, Replicas from 2018, didn’t gain much traction despite its stellar cast.
This movie, now streaming on Netflix, should’ve been a big hit, especially given its timing between John Wick: Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 – Parabellum. It boasts a lineup including Alice Eve, John Ortiz, and Thomas Middleditch during his peak time on HBO’s Silicon Valley.
The plot of Replicas revolves around Reeves and Middleditch, who play biomedical researchers trying to transfer human consciousness into robot bodies. A series of tragic events and experiments force Reeves’ character to make heart-wrenching decisions regarding his family, leading to a cascade of complications and an intense chase by the U.S. government.
Sadly, despite its intriguing plot and top-tier cast, Replicas was panned for its writing, CGI, and performances, earning only $9.3 million against a budget of over $30 million.
Replicas is available on Netflix. Whether you’re looking for an unconventional film or just want to have some fun with friends, it’s worth a watch.
Mute
Dive into the neon-soaked landscapes of a futuristic Berlin with Netflix’s Mute. Alexander Skarsgård, celebrated for his roles in Succession and True Blood, takes a silent turn as Leo Beiler, a mute bartender searching for his missing girlfriend amidst the city’s underbelly.
Navigating this tech-driven world without a voice, Skarsgård’s portrayal captivates with an intensity only he can deliver.
Set against the backdrop of a dazzling Berlin, the plot thickens when Leo encounters two morally ambiguous American surgeons, Cactus Bill (Paul Rudd) and Duck Teddington (Justin Theroux). Mute shifts from a simple search to a tale intertwined with deceit and conspiracy.
Directed by Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code), the film serves a visual spectacle, juxtaposing noir elements with futuristic design. Beyond its imagery, it explores themes of isolation and love in a tech-dominated world. Despite its visual mastery and Skarsgård’s lauded performance, Mute has a 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critiques pointing to its convoluted subplots.
Yet, for fans of neo-noir and visually enthralling cinema, Mute is a unique Netflix find. This ambitious project exemplifies the power of streaming platforms to introduce bold narratives.
In the Shadow of the Moon
Netflix’s diverse lineup often means some gems go unnoticed, and the 2019 sci-fi feature In the Shadow of the Moon is one such title. Helmed by Jim Mickle and featuring stars like Michael C. Hall and Boyd Holbrook, the film is an intriguing blend of crime thriller and science fiction.
In the Shadow of the Moon takes us to 1988, where Holbrook’s character, Locke, is an eager cop yearning for a detective role. His challenge? Tracking a serial killer who emerges every nine years, empowered with baffling abilities. It’s a twist on the typical crime drama, with a sprinkle of sci-fi that keeps viewers guessing.
Boasting an ensemble cast including Rachel Keller and Bokeem Woodbine, the film premiered at 2019’s Fantastic Fest alongside acclaimed titles like Jojo Rabbit and In the Tall Grass.
However, its reception was lukewarm, with a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes, criticized for its tangled narrative. Despite the film’s underperformance, Netflix and Mickle teamed up again for Sweet Tooth, a series adaptation of DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint, achieving a stellar 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
While In the Shadow of the Moon may not have garnered the attention of hits like Bird Box or Always Be My Maybe, it’s an intriguing watch for fans of genre blends.
Anon
In a time where personal privacy feels more endangered than ever, Netflix’s Anon presents a haunting vision of a world where the very idea of anonymity is considered a crime.
Guided by the captivating Clive Owen, this sci-fi tale plunges audiences into a futuristic society where every action, memory, and thought is logged and available for scrutiny.
Step into a realm where the concept of “hiding” is archaic. Detective Sal Frieland, portrayed by Clive Owen, maneuvers through this surveillance society where crimes are nearly non-existent due to the constant watchful eyes. Yet, the appearance of untraceable murders baffles Sal, especially in a world where personal experiences are always on record.
Amanda Seyfried enters the scene as “The Girl”, a figure devoid of any digital footprint, making her an anomaly and a prime suspect. Their intertwined journeys become more than just a chase. It evolves into a profound exploration of freedom, the essence of privacy, and one’s right to be invisible.
Its visual portrayal of a near-futuristic world, paired with nuanced performances by Owen and Seyfried, were widely acclaimed. Despite its mixed reception, the film found its audience, particularly among those fascinated by the balance between surveillance and privacy.
Netflix, always enigmatic with its viewing metrics, hasn’t released specific figures for Anon, leaving its true reach a mystery.
Beyond just entertainment, Anon forces viewers to reflect on our current trajectory concerning technology and privacy. It presents a potent question: In our fervor for technological advancement, what aspects of our humanity are we willing to forfeit?
Anon might not provide a clear answer, but it stirs the debate. So, if you’re prepared for a cinematic journey that challenges the very essence of personal privacy, Anon is a worthy watch.
