Day: October 14, 2014

Pandorum offers a gripping dive into the unknown, blending psychological horror with sci-fi thrills in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. However…there are some aspects of the film’s premise and backstory that leave you scratching your head, making it hard to fully immerse in the world it tries to create.

The central concept of the ship being underwater raises immediate questions, particularly around the idea of how the crew could survive in such a hostile environment. The movie never really provides any real explanation as to how they could breathe underwater, which leaves you to wonder if this was simply an oversight or a missed opportunity to explore the technology or biological modifications that could have allowed for this. The existence of the aliens remains similarly mysterious, and their motivations or origin are left unclear. Did they board the ship while it was sinking? Or were they already there, part of the ship’s mysterious past? The lack of clarity around the aliens makes it difficult to fully grasp their role in the story.

Another element that could have benefited from deeper exploration is the backstory. Earth’s disappearance is never fully explained—why did it vanish? Was it the result of an apocalyptic event, or something more profound? The fact that the aliens were aboard the ship for nearly 934 years adds even more mystery to the timeline. Was this intended to leave viewers in suspense, or was it simply an unresolved narrative thread? And speaking of unresolved, the Pandorum disease itself is introduced as a central plot point but is never fully explained. Why did it affect only one person? Was it an isolated incident, or does it suggest a greater, systemic issue within the ship’s crew?

The logistics of the ship’s operation also raise eyebrows. How were only three people awake and functioning on a massive vessel estimated to weigh over 800,000 tons? The setup seems illogical at times, yet the film pushes forward without addressing these glaring issues, allowing the tension to drive the story instead. While this may work to an extent, it does leave viewers questioning the mechanics of the plot.

The VFX and CGI are rather impressive, especially considering its “modest budget”. It’s a shame this film didn’t make its way to theaters—its eerie atmosphere and tension-filled set design would have translated well on the big screen. The performances, especially from Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster, are strong, with the former delivering a deeply compelling portrayal of a man struggling with the effects of Pandorum and the psychological toll of being trapped in space.

While the character setup is solid, there are moments where the film loses clarity. The Earth reconstruction project, for instance, feels like a huge plot point that’s merely mentioned without much follow-through. Similarly, the female biologist’s sudden combat prowess is a bit jarring. Her transformation from a scientist into a fighter seems almost out of nowhere, with little explanation or buildup to justify her new role. It’s a small issue, but one that disrupts the flow of the story.

For fans of sci-fi horror, Pandorum can certainly delivers. If you enjoy movies set in dark, creaky spaceships where terrifying creatures emerge from the shadows, and the sense of dread never quite lifts, this one’s for you. There’s not much in the way of emotional development until the very end, when the main character reflects on the loss of his wife, a casualty of the Earth’s destruction. But even with its plot holes and unanswered questions, Pandorum remains a solid watch. Its atmosphere, tension, and unique setting make it stand out in the sci-fi horror genre. So, whether you’re a fan of alien encounters, psychological drama, or just enjoy a good, suspense-filled thriller, Pandorum is worth checking out.