Netflix recently added one of the top science fiction films of recent years – a movie that earned huge acclaim at several screenings during last year’s film festival circuit.
In the movie Vesper, Raffiella Chapman plays the lead role of a thirteen-year-old girl whose life is turned upside down when Earth suffers an ecosystem collapse. Her character must use her impressive survival skills to provide for her paraplegic father (Richard Brake) and find a way to survive in this harsh new world.
The plot synopsis reads: “When Vesper finds a mysterious woman, Camellia (Rosy McEwen, The Alienist), alone and disoriented after an aerial crash, she agrees to help find her missing companion in exchange for safe passage to the Citadel – the dark central hub where oligarchs live in comfort thanks to state-of-the-art biotechnology.
“Vesper soon discovers that her brutal neighbour, Jonas (Eddie Marsan, Ray Donovan), is searching for Camellia, who is harbouring a secret that could change all of their lives forever.
“Forced into a dangerous adventure, Vesper must rely on her wits and bio-hacking abilities to unlock the key to an alternate future.”
Kristina Buožytė and Bruno Samper co-directed this thought-provoking film that grossed a whopping $1,630,586 million worldwide in box office sales. Through stunning visuals and high-quality special effects, they were able to create an enthralling image of a dying Earth in a dystopian future that is eerily convincing.
The movie went on to receive several award nominations and two wins, from the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and Grimmfest.
Vesper was so well received by both critics and audiences, that it scored an impressive ninety percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Some of the critic’s comments include Hammer To Nail: “Both melancholy and hopeful, filled with the aura and promise of the evening star alluded to by the title, Vesper proves that big ideas can be delivered with limited means. The universe may be a disaster, but at least we still have imagination.”
Sunshine State Cineplex said: “Vesper gets to showcase a unique mastery of storytelling. Indie sci-fi stands out as a genre comprised of failures and successes. Simple issues that befall many of these kinds of films will sink them before they can impress the audience. Yet Buozyte & Samper hit a home run with Vesper, crafting a unique visual world in the process. With Chapman adding a pull-on-your-heartstrings performance, Vesper stands out within the sub-genre.”
RogerEbert.com wrote: “Vesper commands viewers’ attention because of its exceptionally well-realised costume, sound, and production design, as well as some well-utilised, Cronenberg-icky creature and special effects.”
Whereas fans have also taken to sharing their thoughts on the film online, with one writing: “As a sci-fi genre, this film quality is top notch. The characters, various unique creatures and an original world-building are interesting, intriguing, well-made, and most importantly FRESH, at least to me. Also, the drama elements are also great with the weight of the emotional scene feeling so real and captivating. My advice to you who is about to see this film is don’t overanalyse everything, just enjoy this film as a drama in a full of wonder, sci-fi world.”
Another added: “I haven’t been this immersed in a film for a while. The world-building and the depth of the story are mesmerising. The setting and locations are otherworldly and the special effects are top-notch, especially for a film of this budget. But what really matters when seeing a film like this is the acting. The performances are absolutely stellar.
“Vesper is not to be missed for any film lover.”
So you’ll be happy to know, if you’re in the UK or Ireland, you can watch it on Netflix now.
