Director: Daniel Espinosa

Screenplay: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson

Strength: Acting

Weakness: Plot

Runtime: 103 min

Review: 6.5/10

PLOT: Astronauts (Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds) aboard the International Space Station are about to make of one of the most important discoveries in human history: the first evidence of extraterrestrial life on Mars. However, in the process they realize that they have encountered something more than they bargained for. The lifeform they discover turn out to be more intelligent than originally thought and end up being life-threatening. They must ensure that this life form in no way reaches Earth even if they have to sacrifice their own lives in order to do so.

REVIEW: With actors like Ryan Reynolds and Jake Gyllenhaal, the movie seems to have very promising elements. However, it just doesn't live up to its full potential. The main plot is already a cliché, one where a group of people are stuck in an enclosed space with a dangerous alien agent. Even though the director has tried to make the story a bit different from the norm, it still remains quite easy to predict. The scariest part of the movie is perhaps the disturbing way in which the alien kills its preys. The development of the characters also doesn't do justice to the caliber of the actors. Nonetheless, despite the movie failing to stand out in its genre, it is still a good watch for those looking for a good scare.

Reviewed by Amira Amin