Atlantis Down

A wave of surprises

As in a wicked game of chess, Atlantis Down strategically zigzags and jumps across a landscape of human frailty and vulnerability, inviting the viewer to question their own potential defenselessness under threat of attack by a 'being' that can't be seen, touched or truly known. This Sci-Fi film cleverly moves towards a subtle, but powerful question: Does one ostensibly have the power to affect outcomes based on the thoughts and the choices they make in the "game" that is life? This concept creeps up on you. Goose pimples tickle your flesh sort of freezing your mind and body and hold you hostage to its building intensity and wave of surprises.

Painful to watch

I wanted to like this movie, but it was painful to watch. It might have been an okay 20-minute short, but 90 minutes of meandering dialog and pointless plot turns was far too long. I can't believe the rave reviews here, like some others, I wonder if I was watching the same movie.

brilliant and unexpected

I don't often see a Indie sci-fi film that I thoroughly enjoy, but this is one of the exceptions. Atlantis Down is not one of those cheesy sci-fi films you watch on Syfy Channel. There are no monsters, no big disasters here, yet the audience is engaged by the events that unfold on the screen in a quite unexpected way. I quite honestly don’t know whether its originality depends on the fact that the director is not American, but watching it was a pleasant experience. The screenplay is well structured although I felt the need of more character development in a couple of points. As a viewer you are expected to adapt to new situations almost as fast as t

Original and well shot!

The story is a very original blend of thriller, sci-fi and drama, combining chess and the space shuttle is quite intriguing and it works. As the story unfolds you are taken by surprise by its twists. Things happen to the crew members without a specific reason and you keep wondering why until it all becomes clear at the end. The sound - especially once the characters find themselves zapped on another planet – is terrific. The directing was clean, the acting believable, although some characters veered into one-note territory, like the second in command Mary Bishop. The editing keeps it togetherwith a suspense pacing. Overall, this movie is an entertaining thriller with many potential threads.

A film that delivers on suspense and thrills.

I was very fortunate to attend the Hollywood Premiere of Atlantis Down at the Chinese Mann Theater last Feb 20th. It was a 10.15 pm screening on a Sunday and I thought I'd have found an empty theater, but to my surprise I found a packed house for this small Indie film. What experience! I had a blast. I've never been a big sci-fi fanatic, but this film delivers on suspense, and thrills. It's a smart, focused, and suspenseful movie. The opening with its the great CGI and score, sets up the tone of the movie. The way the story unfolds keeps you on the edge of of your seat and makes it an enjoyable experience. The ending leaves us with tons of questions, but I guess this is what the director wanted the audience to feel, so it's ok with me.