When it comes to blending horror and sci-fi, few movies do it better than Life (2017). The eerie silence of space, the creeping dread of an unknown threat, and the tension that builds with every passing minute make it an unforgettable experience. The story unfolds aboard the International Space Station, where a team of astronauts, including big names like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, and Rebecca Ferguson, are on a mission to study a soil sample from Mars.

From the moment the team discovers a dormant, single-celled organism, which they name Calvin, things start to go awry. The plot kicks into high gear when Calvin begins to evolve rapidly upon exposure to oxygen, revealing its dangerous intelligence and adaptability.

Unmissable performances by an all-star cast

The movie’s appeal lies not only in its suspenseful storyline but also in the stellar performances delivered by its cast. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Dr. David Jordan, a dedicated medical officer who struggles between his duty and survival instincts. Rebecca Ferguson plays Miranda North, the CDC’s quarantine officer ensuring protocols are followed to prevent contamination. Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds brings a touch of humor as Rory Adams, the energetic maintenance engineer.

The rest of the crew includes Ariyon Bakare as Hugh Derry, a British scientist emotionally invested in Calvin’s discovery, Hiroyuki Sanada as Sho Murakami, a Japanese astronaut who maintains contact with his family on Earth, and Olga Dihovichnaya as Ekaterina Golovkina, the strict commander of the ISS. Each character’s distinct personality adds depth to the narrative, making their interactions with Calvin even more gripping.

Ariyon Bakare observing Calvin in lab

The evolution of Calvin is a thrilling highlight

One of the most captivating aspects of Life is Calvin’s evolution. From a seemingly harmless organism to a deadly predator, Calvin’s transformation keeps you on the edge of your seat. Director Daniel Espinosa masterfully builds up tension through Calvin’s metamorphosis and interactions with the crew.

The movie brilliantly explores themes of human curiosity and the inherent dangers that come with tampering with unknown life forms. Hugh Derry’s emotional investment in Calvin showcases how seemingly innocent intentions can lead to disastrous outcomes.

A perfect blend of science fiction and horror

If you’re looking for a spine-chilling yet intellectually engaging film, Life is an exceptional choice. The film’s ability to create suspense and terror while exploring scientific curiosity makes it stand out. The visual effects convincingly bring Calvin to life, enhancing the story’s chilling atmosphere.

“MPAA Rating: R/Genre: Sci-Fi Horror/Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ariyon Bakare, Olga Dihovichnaya, Naoko Mori/Runtime: 104 minutes”

An underrated gem on Netflix

Finding hidden gems among countless streaming options can be daunting but trust me when I say that Life on Netflix is worth your time. Although it didn’t receive much attention upon release, its gripping narrative and impressive performances make it a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and horror.
So when you’re in need of an intense movie that will keep you intrigued from start to finish, Life (2017) should be at the top of your list.