With all the political upheaval happening around the world, it’s hardly surprising to learn that sales of George Orwell’s seminal sci-fi novel, 1984, have spiked. The author was hardly the first, or last, to posit a future outlook of humanity and the world we inhabit. Science fiction has been doing it for ages in books, movies and TV shows. Luckily, not all futures are as bleak as Orwell’s; but more often than not they are…
Here are a few science fiction films you should be checking out on the M-Net Movies Collection.
The Adjustment Bureau
Based on a short story by sci-fi master Philip K. Dick, Matt Damon once again proves his action prowess in this twisty, what-if thriller.
Cloud Atlas
Also based on a book, this one by David Mitchell, the film boasts an extraordinary ensemble cast who take on multiple roles. Leaping from 1849 to the present to 2321 (and several more eras in between) time travel adds another layer to this mind-bending melodrama. Some loved it, some hated it – you’ll have to watch it to find out which camp you belong in.
The Hunger Games
The first in a series of four films (based on three books by Suzanne Collins), it’s set in Panem, a post-apocalyptic depiction of North America run by the autocratic President Snow. The films launched its star Jennifer Lawrence to superstardom and paved the way for more dystopian movie franchises featuring young heroes.
Looper
With The Adjustment Bureau, Edge of Tomorrow and Looper under her acting belt Emily Blunt has become something of a mainstay in the sci-fi genre. However, it’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis who power this film…playing the same character. It’s a loopy thriller (you see what we did there) that involves time travel and a paranoid future in which you can’t trust anyone, not even yourself.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Not all science fiction is dark and depressing, losing all faith in humanity. Originally a TV series created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek has turned into a massive franchise adored by fans the world over and celebrating diversity, innovation, logic and love - believing that humanity has the potential to create a better future for everyone. The Motion Picture was the first film in the canon, and featured cast originals from the series including William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy.
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