Native

The only modern characteristic of this film is the opening scene which is a preview of part of the films climax. I wish this trend would go away. I'm sick of films that begin with a spoiler scene from the ending. That gripe aside, I did enjoy this low budget sci fi movie that had you actually thinking.

The rating for this film is cruel. It's slow at times but it does draw you in, and then the twist at the end. It's a very small budget movie that has the strength in its' story and script. There are no George Lucas tireless explosions and sword fights, CGI etc, just mystery and thoughts of what could be.

I would give it a solid 6.5. The actors do a great job and the script is fair. It is the first time director who fails to deliver as the construction of the movie is heaving and meandering. His direction lacks focus. It simply does not flow too well. Perhaps better next time? Enjoy.

This is a great movie for people who aren't expecting to be spoonfed a plot, and don't demand splashy CGI and space battles in their sci-fi. If you like the genre for space operas and explosions, you will be bored and probably confused.

Rupert Graves and Ellie Kendrick star as Cane and Eva, alien colonists on a singular mission. Their culture is based on utilitarian uniformity, enforced by their telepathic connections - which are all the stronger in rare "twins" - and motivated by working for the good of the Hive. But, as they near Earth, the messily unique individualism of human life and its strange products, together with internal tragedy, cause the colonists' resolve to unravel.

So far, so simplistic... and this is in many ways a very simple, very pared back movie with few truly original turns. The "humans are chaotic but beautiful" trope has been played out plenty of times before - but that's not truly what Native rests on. The austere sets, mood lighting, and telepathy sequences replete with arthouse shots and sound design create a claustrophobic atmosphere that has more in common with small production theatre than most sci fi movies, and makes for a wholly character driven journey that explores concepts of individualism, identity, self-reliance and the aching need to connect - in any way possible.

There are a few mis-steps and the movie does waver a little into cliche and over-explanation, but more with the feeling of invoking familiar iconography than truly being a boring retread. With great performances and prickly chemistry from the two leads, and a deftness of world-building that leaves lots to the viewer's imagination - plus a neatly uncompromising ending - I would recommend this a million times over any recent big budget laser battle fiasco.

After all, science fiction at its best dissects what it means to be human, and explores how we engage with the possibilities of our nature, our future, and our identity... and those are exactly the issues at Native's heart.

Really enjoyed this movie, the acting was excellent and the story engaging. Definitely for true fans of the scifi genre. If you're looking for a superficial CGI driven western in space this isn't it.

A reasonable guess into alien psychology. Granted it's a bit slow but I really enjoyed it. Good for a Brit flick.