Oblivion
Remembrances from the future
Although the science fiction genre is very popular in cinema, it is also one of the most difficult to satisfy the public, both for the technological evolution and for the poverty of new ideas, repeating old successes to ensure good box office. Therefore, it is very good to watch a movie like “Oblivion” (USA, 2013), which brings something different for lovers of the genre.
It’s the year 2077. Planet Earth is devastated, virtually lifeless, after a terrible war against alien invaders. The war was won by humans, but at a very high cost, resulting in a barren planet with many areas with a high level of radioactivity.
Most humans were shifted to Titan, Jupiter’s largest satellite, while a small force remained in Earth’s orbit on a gigantic space station named TET. Other colossal machines suck water out of the oceans to turn it into energy.
To protect these machines, there are drones, flying robots that guard the nearby territory, as there are still remaining aliens, called Scavengers, who constantly attack human facilities.
Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) and his partner Vika (Andrea Riseborough) are among the few humans still close to the desolate planet. From the top of an orbital station, just a few kilometers above the surface, they maintain the Drones, always under the supervision of the TET team.
Jack and Vika had their memories erased from all past events. It only matters to them that in just two weeks they will leave Earth to join the rest of humanity on Titan.
But if for Vika everything is fine, the same does not happen with Jack. He is constantly disturbed by dreams of a strange woman, while questioning whether they should ever leave Earth.
Two events will radically change his routine. While investigating the fall of an ancient earth spacecraft, he discovers that the mysterious woman is among the survivors in a suspended life cabin. To his surprise, drones kill all humans while he stands in front of the robot to protect the woman.
Then the two of them are captured by the Scavengers, who are not actually aliens, but disguised humans, who live hidden in ancient underground facilities.
Jack comes across many revelations that will radically change his idea of the world, especially when he discovers that he is not alone, that nothing he knows is true, and that humanity’s destiny is – literally – in his hands.
“Oblivion” brings some well-known elements, such as the apocalyptic scenario – before I forget, New York was destroyed once again – the alien threat, the resistance of humans, etc..
But the script is well tied, the montage has an exciting rhythm, and the special effects, present in virtually every scene in the film, are absolutely stunning.
The main cast, though reduced, is very well, starting with Cruise himself, who continues to star in action roles. The Ukrainian Olga Kurylenko repeats her great performance from previous films, but the greatest work was left to Andrea Riseborough, Harper’s mistress and boss. However, who always surprises is the veteran Morgan Freeman. The direction is by Joseph Kosinski, who had previously directed “Tron: Legacy” (USA, 2010) and also “Top Gun: Maverick” (USA, 2022), which is expected to debut in May 2022.
“Oblivion” is an action-packed science fiction, with some good surprises in the story, and an eye-filling look. Although there are many explosions and shootings, there is no explicit violence, so it is a program for the whole family, which is favored by the indicative classification of 12 years.
This movie is available on the Amazon Prime Video streaming service.