5th Passenger

5th Passenger is an intense, captivating science-fiction thriller released in 2017, seamlessly combining elements of mystery and suspense to create an engaging cinematic experience. The film is a showcase of clever storytelling executed by director Scott Baker and writers Morgan Lariah and David Henri. The flick features an ensemble cast, including Morgan Lariah, Manu Intiraymi, and Doug Jones.

The film is set in the year 2151, a time when humankind has become societal explorers, reaching the depths of space, colonizing different planets within and beyond the known Universe. The storyline grips the audience from the first frame, placing them right in the middle of chaos and confusion that drives the narrative forward. The plot develops around the main protagonist Eve Miller, portrayed impressively by Morgan Lariah. As the film opens, Eve, who is heavily pregnant, finds herself incapacitated in an escape pod.

The situations become more fraught as Eve and four survivors from her space shuttle, which has been tragically wrecked, realize that the escape pod only has sufficient life-support systems to accommodate four people. The film harnesses scarce resources, elevated tensions, and the primal instinct of survival, creating a taut environment as the narrative unfolds. The film title '5th Passenger' stems from this edgy situation – symbolizing questions about who will make the ultimate sacrifice to let others survive, or if it comes to the fight of the fittest.

Parallel to the escape pod narrative, we explore Eve's time on the Starship Prospect through a series of engaging flashbacks. Here, the audience is introduced to the other crew members who share the pod - Thompson (David Lim), Li (Manu Intiraymi), Franklin (Doug Jones), and Commander Shaddick (Marina Sirtis). These characters are being managed by Eve, who is navigating through her responsibilities as a crew member, her personal fears, and divided loyalties, all while dealing with her pregnancy.

The suspense intensifies as along with the interpersonal dynamics among the crew, a fifth passenger, an extra-terrestrial creature is also present in the pod. The film thus combines the classic elements of a space thriller - a confined space, the foreboding emptiness of outer space, limited resources, and a dangerous alien creature. The spectacular visual effects, coupled with eerie cinematography, indeed create a strong sense of other-worldly fear and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The creature is an essential character in the plot that the audience has to decipher by themselves – its origin, why it's on the ship, and knowing it ultimately becomes the fifth passenger. The creature is not just used as a plot device to trigger horror but is an encapsulating symbol for numerous interpretations - mistrust, paranoia, or even mankind's fear of the unknown.

5th Passenger struggles with their interpersonal feelings developing inside the compact pod, whilst they try to find the best way to survive inside the suffocating space in the life-threatening outer space with a lurking presence of a terrifying entity. Eve's character confronts not only unknown alien threats but also the terrible human choices made in the claustrophobic, life-threatening situation. Eve's character evolution forms the crux of the narrative, making her more than a survivor and elevating her to be the beacon of hope.

The film also plays around with larger themes of humanity, survival, gender roles, and corporate greed, twining them into a riveting narrative. The screenplay never loses sight of the fact that the spaceship is not only trapped in the vast expanse of space but also in a whirlpool of moral dilemmas and ethical questions.

The exceptional performance of the cast blended seamlessly with a thought-provoking script and deft direction to create a tense and compelling atmosphere. Morgan Lariah standout portrayal of 'Eve' further stranded the viewers into the sizzling orbit of 5th Passenger. Supporting performances by Manu Intiraymi and Doug Jones build a rich ensemble that helps propagate the film's engrossing narrative.

In essence, 5th Passenger is a remarkable science fiction thriller that beautifully tangles the anxieties of outer space with a profound exploration of morality and human survival instinct. Its fascinating plot, exceptional acting, eerie visual effects, and strong direction make it a must watch for everyone who enjoys science fiction and thriller genres.