Sunshine (2007) Film Review: Criminally underrated sci-fi epic is an all-around cinematic treat

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Set in the near future of 2057, a team of international astronauts is sent on a dangerous mission to reignite the dying sun with a nuclear fission bomb. Seven years earlier, another group aboard the original Icarus embarked on the same venture, only to vanish with no explanation, leaving only a distress signal in their wake. Could any of the team members still be alive?

This deeply affecting, introspective science-fiction epic is one of the most misunderstood entries in director Danny Boyle's and writer Alex Garland's versatile filmographies. Both Boyle and Garland took inspiration from the likes of 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Alien (1979), and many more classic works to craft something truly special, which definitely deserves more recognition and appreciation.

What may arguably be classified as a high-brow or art-house science-fiction film, one could easily be forgiven for expecting a traditional action-adventure in space, complete with the natural thrills and dangers of the setting; however, this film is much more complex and layered than most. The ambition displayed behind and in front of the camera here is astonishing, with Boyle in particular demonstrating his immense passion and knowledge of the craft by confidently jumping between different genres with ease.

The combined wonder and terror of space and our sun is a central narrative theme running throughout the film

Sunshine is arguably one of the best-looking science fiction films ever made. It is incredible how well the special effects hold up today, with the quality on display here easily surpassing some of the shots we have seen in recent big-budget superhero movies. There are plenty of grand moments in the movie that are stunningly beautiful, such as the crew sitting down to watch the planet Mercury orbiting the colossal sun, whilst bathing in the raw warmth and light of the star, completely immersing viewers alongside the characters.

Combine the awe-inspired spectacle of the film's visual direction with an enthralling sound design and ethereal score from composer John Murphy, resulting in a grandiose scale to the movie, which perfectly aligns with the heavy, psychological themes the narrative is steeped in.

High-quality production design is exhibited within the modern, sleek aesthetics of the spaceship, as well as its industrial exterior. There is a clear indication of planning and attention to detail regarding the practicalities of the set, with bulky space suits created to repel the deadly heat of the sun and a lived-in, well-versed ship with an oxygen garden, sleeping quarters, communal areas, and more personal/working spaces.

The international ensemble cast offers plenty of opportunities to explore the team's wavering dynamic

Boyle's love and respect for Ridley Scott's Alien can be traced through the interactions between the crew, whose potentially life-threatening mission to save Earth is just another working day for them, and the dark, heavy sense of foreboding is ever present.

There are natural moments of hostility and conflict between members of the team as they disagree on group proceedings, with Cillian Murphy's Capa and Chris Evans' Mace in particular often clashing regarding their opinions, engaging in boisterous fights which humanise them. There are also great supporting roles from Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Michelle Yeoh, and more, who all add a welcome change of dynamic to the group with their unique personalities.

Although the film offers a full sensory experience akin to the immense impact 2001 manages to achieve, it also matches Kubrick's intellectual ambition with a slower-paced, meditative narrative offering thought-provoking symbolism and heavy themes evolving around humanity itself. Existentialism, mortality, the possibility of divine intervention and religious faith, loneliness, and isolation are just a selection of the bold ideas this movie addresses, with the backdrop of the cosmic beauty and danger of space acting as the perfect setting for philosophical exploration.

Mankind's place in the vastness of the universe plays a large part in the narrative, achieving a remarkably humbling, universal viewing experience as everybody can relate to the characters in this both terrifying and exciting situation.

Mark Strong makes a surprising cameo appearance with a haunting physical transformation, which gives way to effectively handled horror elements

Patient viewers who are able to enjoy and appreciate this reflective, deep dive into the unknown are rewarded with a breathtaking final act, which combines inspired elements of slasher horror and visceral filmmaking to create a suitably grand conclusion to such a large-scale narrative. The creative choice to include various clips showcasing the most visually dazzling sequences of the film during the end credits offers a refreshingly cathartic palette cleanser after experiencing such an epic tale.

All in all, Sunshine is a truly underrated space odyssey for the modern age. From practically flawless production quality and committed performances, to the hypnotic depths of its thematically rich, engaging storytelling - science fiction cinema definitively cannot get any better than this. Despite a deliberately slower pace, which may turn some viewers away, this movie definitely deserves more love, especially from Boyle and Garland fans!

Check out the trailer for Sunshine (2007) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!