Forsaken is a Russian science fiction psychological thriller, directed by Aleksandr Kulikov and released in 2018.
Set in the near future, the film follows a space expedition to Mars led by Captain Alexander Chapaev.
The story revolves around his lonely experience on the red planet after being left behind by the crew.
Forsaken Synopsis
The plot focuses on the journey of Captain Alexander Chapaev, left alone on Mars after the departure of his crew.
With limited communication with Earth via a radio and a robotic drone as his only companion, Chapaev struggles to survive as efforts to rescue him escalate into political and corporate disputes on Earth.
A private company takes over the situation, turning Chapaev’s broadcast into a reality show, ignoring his safe return to Earth. Meanwhile, the astronaut begins to hallucinate and encounter a mysterious entity, questioning his own reality.
The film ends in a disconcerting setting, suggesting that the entire mission may have been staged to boost the television show’s ratings.
Cast:
- Andrey Smolyakov as Aleksandr Kovalyov
- Anna Banshchikova as Anna
- Maksim Vitorgan as Pyotr Novikov
- Grigory Siyatvinda as Grisha Star
- Yuriy Tsurilo as Alexey Alexeyevich
- Aleksandr Kulikov as Aleksandr Chapaev
- Yevgeniya Shipova as news correspondent
- Boris Moiseev as Roman Randolf
- Maksim Surayev as Maksim Surayev
Is it worth watching?
Forsaken offers an intriguing take on loneliness, isolation, and uncertainty in a spatial context.
However, its mixed reception and confusing narrative may leave some viewers unsatisfied.
For lovers of science fiction and psychological plots, the film can provide an intriguing experience, although its execution is a matter of debate.
Curiosities:
- The film received generally negative reviews and was considered one of the worst grossing films in the history of Russian cinema, leading to apologies for its production and government funding.
- The plot has often been compared to Ridley Scott’s film The Martian, albeit with a considerably different and controversial outcome.
Critics’ Consensus:
The film was heavily criticized for its disappointing box office and a narrative that left many viewers confused.
His promising initial proposal failed to materialize, resulting in mixed evaluations and debates about its execution.
Conclusion
Forsaken is an ambitious yet flawed thriller that tries to explore intriguing themes but ends up getting lost in its own plot.
While it offers interesting moments and a unique take on spatial isolation, its negative reviews and unclear narrative may discourage some viewers.
Still, for those interested in an innovative take on the sci-fi genre, watching this movie can be a curious experience.
Watch the trailer:
