Sci-Fri Special: Movies that Imagine Harder

Not my top 5, the next 5.

A few weeks back, GoatFury, a fellow Substack writer, commented on one of my pieces with a simple request: “I’d love to see your top sci-fi films.” This suggestion gave birth to the 'Sci-Fri Special'. Over the next several weeks, I'll be sharing a series of posts that delve into my favorite movies, series, games, and a myriad of sci-fi content that never fails to captivate my imagination.

Be sure to check out GoatFury’s sci-fi recos that he also published today, in tandem with this post.

This is more of a 6 to 10 list.

Many of us undoubtedly converge on the same top 5 sci-fi classics: '2001', 'Alien', 'Robocop', 'The Matrix', and 'Blade Runner'. These are, after all, the giants that any algorithm would likely suggest. But what about the gems just beyond this list? Those lesser-known films skirting the periphery of mainstream, demanding a tad more patience, and showcasing innovative narratives, even if they're occasionally unpolished.

With a focus on under-the-radar films that offer thought-provoking content, here's my 'Next 5' list of science fiction movies you might consider adding to your viewing queue.

---

Dark Star (1974)

Directed by John Carpenter during his student days at the University of Southern California, 'Dark Star' traces the journey of a crew aboard the decaying starship of the same name. Two decades into their mission, they work to obliterate unstable planets that could pose threats to future interstellar colonization.

What sets this film apart for me is its raw, DIY spirit and the 'used future' it presents. It provides a refreshing contrast to the often pristine and sterile depictions of space exploration commonly seen in sci-fi. The vintage special effects, achieved through miniatures and inventive film tricks, offer a delightful dose of retro graphics inspiration.

While some might label it as dated or campy, there's a charm to 'Dark Star' that's best appreciated when viewed with an open, perhaps even altered, mindset. It's not hard to imagine that its creation was influenced by more than just cinematic vision.

---

Timecrimes (2007)

Time travel narratives that delve deeply into the inherent paradoxes have always fascinated me. While 'Primer' (2004) stands out as a masterful exploration of the theme—so intricate that it's spawned an entire genre of infographics to decode its events—I must spotlight the Spanish cinematic gem 'Timecrimes' (Los Cronocrímenes) directed by Nacho Vigalondo.

Imagine 'Groundhog Day', but enveloped in a darker aura and condensed into a more immediate timespan. The film's narrative builds upon itself, much like layers of sediment over time, creating a captivating and complex temporal landscape. 'Timecrimes' not only entertained but also left an indelible mark, prompting me to ponder its various time travel intricacies.

---

Strange Days (1995)

Image courtesy of PosterSpy

How can one discuss sci-fi cinema without delving into the realm of Cyberpunk? Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, 'Strange Days' is a prescient, dark narrative set at the cusp of a new century, bearing striking similarities to tales from 'Black Mirror' (particularly "The Entire History of You"), right as the digital revolution began to take shape. With references to 'tapes' and a notable absence of cell/smartphones, the film feels more like an alternate history than a 90s relic.

Despite its underwhelming box-office performance 28 years ago, 'Strange Days' remains compelling and relevant. For those seeking a blend of gritty action, dystopian themes, and cyberpunk intrigue, this is a must-watch.

---

The Congress (2013)

Based on the visionary 1971 science fiction novel 'The Futurological Congress' by Stanisław Lem, 'The Congress' features Robin Wright portraying a fictionalized version of herself. As an iconic but aging actress, she hesitantly consents to become a 'scanned actor'—a digital doppelganger. A decade after its release, the film's themes resonate even more, echoing the tumultuous currents of Hollywood today.

Fast-forwarding 20 years within its narrative, we witness the evolution of movie studio technology into a sprawling animated utopia reminiscent of today's metaverse concepts. Seamlessly blending cautionary foresight, psychedelic visuals, and profound personal drama, 'The Congress' is not just a movie—it's an experience. While it might challenge the conventional viewer, it firmly ranks among my top 6-10 sci-fi films.

---

Last and First Men (2020)

"Last and First Men" is a cinematic experience like no other. Drawing inspiration from Olaf Stapleton's groundbreaking 1930 novel, the film intriguingly communicates from the perspective of future humans, blurring the lines between the realms of science fiction and design fiction.

Rather than offering a traditional movie narrative, this creation leans more towards an immersive audiobook. Crafted by the renowned, late director Jóhann Jóhannsson— celebrated for iconic scores like "Arrival" and "Sicario"— the film artfully juxtaposes visuals of Yugoslav WWII monuments with Tilda Swinton's mesmerizing narration. It evokes memories of cinematic masterpieces like "Koyaanisqatsi" and "Baraka", guiding audiences through a meditative journey of sound and sight. To truly appreciate this work, it's best to set aside typical movie expectations. Dim the lights, forego the popcorn, and allow yourself to be transported by a captivating narrative from our descendants from 2 billion years in the future.

---