Science fiction, at its best, asks the big questions. These questions are often difficult to answer, especially in our everyday, earth-bound existence. But, sci-fi allows writers to frame the questions in such a way that they are more understandable, despite the fantastical setting. I think this is because the setting, however fantastic, illuminates the questions.
Passengers, which was directed by Morten Tyldum and stars Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, premiered in 2016. It is, at heart, a small and intimate character drama. If not a science fiction film, it might be set in New York, and the questions it asks might seem to be a little more black and white. As it is, it is set aboard the colony ship Avalon in deep space, which allows for the drama to unfurl between just the two main characters.
This setting, fantastic to be sure, frames the central questions of the film so well: is a drowning man at fault, or evil even, for pulling you down with him? Does he in fact have a choice at all? And what is the nature of that choice?
I won’t spoil the plot in this review, but I think Passengers is a wonderful vehicle for the ride it takes its viewers on. The viewers, as they get caught up in the drama between characters, become more than just viewers. As the questions are posed and grappled with, the viewers become passengers in their own right, along a journey of introspection and contemplation.
I love movies that have tiny casts, because without many people to play off of or carry scenes, the few actors must be at the top of their game. For the majority of the film, Chris Pratt, and then Jennifer Lawrence are totally alone, with the small exception of Michael Sheen who plays an android bartender. The bartender, while friendly, is limited by his programming. This allows Pratt and Lawrence so much room to explore and exercise their characters. The full range of human experience is on display, and both actors do a tremendous job. Laurence Fishburne shows up near the end to round out the four person ensemble, but this show belongs to the two principle actors and they own it.
Without taking away from Pratt and Lawrence, Sheen does an incredible job as Arthur the bartender. It is terribly difficult to play human seeming but inhuman characters. To display the right range of emotion and interaction, while at the same time being artificial and stiff takes tremendous talent. As much as anyone in the film, Sheen absolutely nails his character.
Simply put, Passengers is stunning. The Avalon is modern and gleaming, and the shots of space are amazing. The visuals really complement the human drama by emphasizing the solitude and characterizing the choices made in a restricted setting. The sound design is also spot on. The music is perfect, never intruding but always complementing. There isn’t a second of this film that isn’t beautiful and enjoyable to experience.
Passengers is timeless, as are the questions it poses. Every time I show this film to a new person who hasn’t seen it before, we are able to have a thoughtful discussion about it. I value that time spent wrestling with the plot, as it allows me to bring my own life and choices into focus. “What would I do?” becomes the question of the day.
I think if you haven’t already seen it, you really should make time. Passengers doesn’t rush, and isn’t action heavy, and that is a good thing. It lures you in and grabs hold and doesn’t let go until the very satisfying conclusion. There is much to think about along the way. And as I’ve said, as far as small character dramas goes, it is one of the best I’ve seen.
Ready for a journey? Board the Avalon and see where it takes you. It might not be where you expected to go.
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