The Discovery

The Discovery, released in 2017, is a science-fiction drama film directed by Charlie McDowell and stars Robert Redford, Mary Steenburgen, and Brian McCarthy. The movie is set in a world where the afterlife has been scientifically proven to exist, leading to a dramatic increase in suicides as people look for a way to escape their earthly suffering.

Dr. Thomas Harbor (Robert Redford), the man responsible for this discovery, has become a recluse and is living on a remote island with a small group of researchers. One of these researchers is his son, Will (Jason Segel), who is struggling to come to terms with his own grief after the death of his brother.

When Will meets Isla (Rooney Mara), a woman who is a survivor of a suicide attempt, they form a connection and he becomes determined to find out what his father's discovery really means. Along with Isla, Will travels to the island to confront his father and try to understand the implications of his research.

The movie is a haunting exploration of death, grief, and the afterlife, and it raises some profound questions about what it means to be alive. The writing is excellent, and the performances by the cast are top-notch, especially Redford, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man haunted by his own discovery.

The visuals in the movie are also stunning, with the island setting providing a fitting backdrop for the film's themes. McDowell's direction is confident and assured, and the pacing of the movie is just right, with the tension steadily building throughout.

However, some viewers may find the movie's ending frustratingly ambiguous, as it leaves many questions unanswered. The movie also deals with some heavy themes, and it can be a difficult watch for some audiences.

Overall, The Discovery is an engaging, thought-provoking movie that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. It is a must-watch for fans of science-fiction and drama, and it solidifies Charlie McDowell's place as a talented director with a bright future in Hollywood.