It Lives

It Lives (2016), also known as Capsule, is a film by Director Andrew Martin with A-List actors Andrew Kinsler and Peter McCrohon. This masterpiece is a dramatic Science Fiction film that masterfully merges the genres of drama, history, and thriller in a freshness that only Andrew Martin can deliver.

The film is set in the frosty tension of the Cold War era and incites both tension and intrigue right from the onset. It gives a rare glimpse into the technological developments, geopolitical compromises, and accompanying human feelings of insecurity that surrounded the era. This historical period is shrouded in uncertainty, anxiety, and paranoia, which is carried through to each audience member, regardless of their knowledge of the time.

The film portrays the events in the life of a Guy Taylor (played by Andrew Kinsler), an experienced British fighter pilot and astronaut who has been engaged in secret manoeuvres during the fearsome Cold War. Guy suddenly finds himself on the cold periphery of space in a malfunctioning escape pod (the capsule), where he is left alone to face his fears and contemplate the finitude of his existence while maintaining diplomatic decorum and ensuring his survival amid challenging odds.

Engulfed in the despair of isolation and the anxiety of a possible impending end, Andrew Kinsler delivers a compelling performance that grips audience emotions. In the confining enclosure of his capsule, he tries to establish communication with the control center, with intense fluctuations in hope and despair.

The communication officer in the control center at home, whose voice is the only other presence in the film, is portrayed by Peter McCrohon. Through their dialogue, the movie does an exceptional job communicating the deep anxiety, urgency and emotional distress experienced by the characters.

It Lives is primarily a character study that unveils the deepest fears and the most vivid reflections of hope, determination, and resilience in the human character. A minimalistic movie, confined within the space of a narrow capsule, it effectively conveys the depths of human fears, emotions, and fantasies. Andrew Kinsler’s exceptional performance submerges the audience into Guy’s reality in a manner that not only brings the character alive, but also makes him relatable on an existential level.

This movie is not only about space conquest, but also about man’s inner struggle against despair, isolation, and the uncertainty of life. Space is just the backdrop against which the real drama unfolds – the inner turmoil of the human soul. Guy Taylor’s quest for survival against all odds is portrayed with a level of realism made all the more evocative by a strong soundtrack and dramatic sound effects that never feel out of place.

The film's narrative is also bolstered by its solid, ever-tense screenplay, allowing the audience to feel the escalating tension as events transpire. The narrative is interspersed with moments of silence that offer emotional respite while augmenting the overall somber and suspenseful mood of the movie. The potentially life-threatening emergencies and intense suspense create an atmosphere that keeps the audience intrigued.

The splendid direction and crafty cinematography work hand in hand to create an immersive, historical, and dramatic piece of cinema. Each shot, each dialogue, and each sound effect are deliberately put in place to effectively maintain the suspense.

In sum, It Lives is a crescendo of suspense, tension, emotional unrest, and historical drama that is rare to find in contemporary cinema. Its unique narrative is a testament to human endurance in the face of despair and physical and psychological adversity. It’s a thrilling and poignant movie that inspires deep introspection long after it ends. Actors Andrew Kinsler and Peter McCrohon breathe life into the film's plot and make the viewing experience an extraordinary one.

For those who enjoy a cerebral, stirring drama where man’s inner nature is pit against his ambition, then It Lives is the film to delve into. A movie that offers much more than what meets the eye; it incites feelings of tension, suspense, consciousness, and historical nostalgia, promising to connect with audiences on multiple levels.