The possibility of another planet that can sustain life is a frightening thought for many people. Even worse is the idea of a duplicate self on that planet. Would you want to have a conversation with your duplicate or runaway or blindly pretend they do not exist?

Part sci-fi and part indie drama, Another Earth explores many bleak themes. In particular, the psychology behind the two protagonists stands out. Both of the characters share an unbearable remorse, which causes them to withdraw from society. They morph into introverted misfits, although they were originally happy people before the discovery of Earth 2. The staunchly realistic acting of Brit Marling and William Mapother carry the plot throughout the movie. By only using a handheld camera, the director creates an unmistakbly tense mood throughout the movie. Another Earth specifically appeals to an audience interested in cognitive science, physics, and the drama of human existence. Slight twists in the plot keep the audience from becoming bored by the darker scenes. The juxtaposition of a melancholy past to the possibility of a reinvented future is what makes Another Earth poetic.

Tags: movie