Review by Tom Mimnagh
Stars Brit Marling, William Mapother, Matthew-Lee Erlbach, Jordan Baker, Flint Beverage, Robin Taylor, Rupert Reid,
Meggan Lennon, AJ Diana, DJ Flava
Written by Brit Marling & Mike Cahill
Certification UK 12A | US PG-13
Runtime 92 minutes
Directed by Mike Cahill
There are all kinds of redemption stories in cinema history, but very few, if any, involve the idea of another planet entering the solar system. In fact the mere concept of which raises so many questions about what you would do if you were given a second chance to rectify mistakes, and atoning for the mistakes you have made, which makes it feel like a refreshingly original concept.
Another Earth is the story of Rhoda, a 17-year-old girl who is celebrating getting into the prestigious MIT University to study astrophysics. At the same time a new planet, which is an exact mirror image of Earth has appeared just outside Earth’s orbit. While staring at the planet as she drives home, having been drinking, she crashes her car into a stationary vehicle at a crossroads, killing the female passenger, and her children, and critically injuring the male driver, John. After serving a prison sentence she becomes a cleaner in her local school, although still haunted she tries goes to try and explain to John about the accident, but panics and pretends to be a cleaner and ends up beginning a relationship John. All the while a competition is run to send citizens to Earth 2, which eventually impacts Rhoda’s life more than she ever realised was possible.
Marling is excellent in the role of Rhoda, starting the film as an optimistic teen with high hopes, only to have them shattered by one moment of irresponsibility. She is sympathetic and vulnerable, but also a hugely tragic figure throughout. The emotional connection that Marling has to the role of Rhoda is obvious, but this is even more understandable considering she was one of the writers, displaying just how multi talented she really is. William Mapother is also excellent as John, conflicted and befallen by tragedy, trying to rebuild his life, without knowing that Rhoda is in fact the cause of his unhappiness, just when it seems she will be responsible for helping him come out of his downward spiral. The chemistry between the two is evident from very early on, but it is always underlined by the viewer’s knowledge of the secret that threatens to tear them apart.
It’s phenomenal to think that Another Earth is Cahill’s directorial debut. He handles the emotionally charged characters and even more emotionally charged relationships with subtlety and without ever pushing the audience to make judgement on any of the characters, recognising the frailty of humanity in those characters. Visually, Another Earth is a sight to behold also, as it manages to present the image of another planet in a simple and realistic way, but the image is incredibly striking, and frankly memorable.
Coming off its recent win at the Sundance festival, it is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility that Another Earth will sneak a nomination for the big awards in the coming months – and deservedly so. It is an emotional rollercoaster, with two wonderful performances by its leads, both captivating and stunning the audience, in an engaging and intriguing story. It is superbly directed, and well paced, and should certainly mark out its director and co-writer Cahill as one to watch, but also Marling as not only an actress, but also a writer, of great potential.