Plot Summary

The film opens with the six-member crew of the ISS on a mission to examine soil samples retrieved from Mars in search of signs of life. Against all odds, they discover a single-celled organism, which they nickname “Calvin.” This microscopic creature initially excites the crew as it demonstrates signs of intelligence, responding to stimuli and growing rapidly under lab conditions. However, as Calvin continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly aggressive, and a routine experiment quickly turns deadly. Calvin’s intelligence, strength, and adaptability make it a formidable predator as it escapes confinement and begins hunting the crew.

The situation quickly escalates from scientific wonder to a fight for survival, with Calvin systematically targeting each crew member. As the crew struggles to contain the creature and find a way to kill it, they face dwindling options and an ever-growing threat. Calvin’s adaptability and resilience make it nearly impossible to stop, leading the astronauts to realize that not only are they at risk, but humanity itself could be endangered if Calvin reaches Earth.

Characters and Performances

Jake Gyllenhaal plays Dr. David Jordan, a weary medical officer who has spent over a year in space and finds solace in isolation. Gyllenhaal’s portrayal is nuanced, conveying a man who is both fascinated and horrified by Calvin. As the situation grows dire, Jordan’s calm facade cracks, revealing the vulnerability and determination beneath. His performance grounds the film, making the audience feel the emotional toll that the crew’s ordeal takes on him.

Rebecca Ferguson stars as Dr. Miranda North, a CDC quarantine officer who acts as the voice of caution and reason. Ferguson’s performance is restrained yet intense, embodying a character who is methodical and responsible but ultimately human in her fear and desperation. Her character's commitment to protecting humanity provides a moral center amid the horror, as she remains focused on preventing Calvin from reaching Earth.

Ryan Reynolds plays Rory Adams, the film’s wise-cracking engineer. Reynolds brings his trademark humor, lightening the tension in the film’s early moments, but as the stakes rise, he transitions into a more serious, courageous figure. His character’s impulsive bravery, along with Reynolds’ natural charisma, makes him memorable, even if he has less screen time compared to his co-stars.

The rest of the international crew, including Ariyon Bakare as Hugh Derry, Hiroyuki Sanada as Sho Murakami, and Olga Dihovichnaya as Ekaterina Golovkina, each bring their unique personalities and motivations to the story, creating a realistic portrayal of a multinational team. Their different responses to Calvin’s threat reflect their distinct backgrounds and roles on the ISS, adding depth to the ensemble and making the film feel more grounded.

Direction and Cinematography

Daniel Espinosa uses tight framing and claustrophobic angles to highlight the crew’s confinement aboard the ISS, turning the station into a labyrinthine death trap. Espinosa’s direction is intense and unrelenting, crafting a sense of dread as Calvin grows and hunts within the limited confines of the space station. The film’s pacing is fast, with little room for respite, which keeps the audience on edge but also allows for occasional quiet, reflective moments that emphasize the horror of the situation.

The cinematography by Seamus McGarvey is visually stunning, capturing both the beauty and danger of space. The ISS is portrayed in stark, sterile whites and metallic grays, enhancing the feeling of isolation and vulnerability. McGarvey’s use of long takes and zero-gravity sequences creates an immersive experience, making the audience feel as though they are drifting alongside the characters. These floating, weightless shots give a visceral sense of Calvin’s presence, as the creature moves freely through the station’s air, indifferent to the limitations of gravity that constrain the human crew.

Creature Design and Special Effects

One of the film’s standout elements is the creature design of Calvin, which starts as a single cell and evolves into a terrifying, almost ethereal organism. Calvin’s design is both beautiful and horrific, resembling a translucent, jellyfish-like entity that moves with a fluidity that seems almost graceful—until it strikes. The special effects team succeeds in making Calvin seem both otherworldly and lethal, with each stage of its evolution revealing new, horrifying abilities that make it a relentless predator.

Calvin’s adaptability and resilience are key elements of the horror. The creature’s intelligence makes it far more menacing than a typical movie monster, as it learns from each encounter and uses the crew’s own technology against them. The special effects do a commendable job of blending practical and CGI effects to create a creature that feels real and terrifying, adding to the sense of danger and unpredictability.

Themes and Tone

Life explores themes of scientific curiosity, human hubris, and survival. The film raises questions about the ethical implications of searching for extraterrestrial life and the risks associated with tampering with unknown organisms. The crew’s initial excitement and eagerness to study Calvin quickly turn into regret and horror, highlighting the dangers of unchecked curiosity. This theme is reinforced by Calvin’s relentless nature, as the crew’s discovery turns into a nightmarish fight for survival.

The tone of Life is dark, bleak, and unrelenting, combining elements of science fiction and horror to create a thrilling atmosphere. The film does not shy away from the horror of the situation, presenting a brutal and realistic portrayal of what survival in space could look like when faced with an unstoppable alien entity. The film’s bleakness and refusal to provide easy answers or comfort make it a challenging but thrilling watch.

Pacing and Editing

The film’s pacing is relentless, with Calvin’s presence felt throughout, maintaining constant tension. The editing, by Frances Parker, keeps the audience engaged by balancing the high-intensity action with moments of suspenseful silence. The tight editing amplifies the horror, with sequences that build suspense through sudden jumps and slow reveals. The pacing accelerates as the film progresses, making each encounter with Calvin feel increasingly desperate, leading to a climactic, haunting ending.

Sound Design and Score

Jon Ekstrand’s score combines eerie, ambient sounds with pulsating beats, enhancing the suspense and horror. Ekstrand’s music is haunting, building a sense of dread that lingers, especially during scenes where the crew is attempting to escape Calvin’s pursuit. The sound design also plays a crucial role in creating the claustrophobic atmosphere. The soft hum of the ISS’s machinery, the sudden clangs, and Calvin’s unsettling movements in the vents add an extra layer of horror, creating an immersive auditory experience.

Final Verdict

Life (2017) is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that blends science fiction and horror with skill and style. The film’s intense pacing, strong performances, and innovative creature design make it a memorable entry in the space-horror genre. With standout performances from Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Ryan Reynolds, Life is a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked curiosity and the horrors that can lurk beyond Earth.

While the film’s bleak tone and relentless pace may not appeal to everyone, Life is a must-watch for fans of space horror and suspenseful thrillers. Its atmosphere, direction, and visceral horror make it an intense cinematic experience that